When They See Us
A Netflix Documentary
When They See Us, is a gut wrenching true story made into a 4 part docu- series, on Netflix, that brings to life one of the most notorious wrongful conviction cases New York City has ever seen. Now They See Us, captures the Central Park Five case in which 5 teenagers were wrongfully accused of the rape and murder of a white woman who was jogging in Central Park on the evening of April 19th, 1989. Director Ava DuVernay, powerfully tells the story of the 5 teenagers that leaves the audience saddened, sick and angry at the profound reality of the justice system that stole the life and future of 5 innocent boys, all because of the color of their skin. Many of the scenes are hard to watch because it leaves the audience feeling helpless alongside the young boys who actually had to endure the weight of a broken justice system. This film is not only important, but is necessary as it continues to shed light on systemic racism, the brokenness of the world and the failure of the justice system to actually service and protect the vulnerable.