Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons narrates “Relentless,” the fascinating true story about remarkable people tackling an exotic species invasion that nearly destroyed the largest freshwater ecosystem on Earth: the Great Lakes. The silent predator devastated jobs and businesses, threatening the survival of cities, towns and indigenous communities across the region.

The film traces how tenacious scientists identified the menace then struggled to control it. Their work continues to influence the Great Lakes region’s economic fortunes and sounds a warning about how invasive species threaten the future of vital natural resources and the prosperity of millions around the world today. Detroit premiere.

After the films: On Friday, Brian Kaufman, executive video producer at the Free Press, talks to filmmaker Thomas Lindsey Haskin. On Sunday, Neal Rubin, Free Press columnist, talks to Haskin.