When They See Us

Last night, I finished the fourth and final installment of Ava DuVernay's When They See Us on Netflix.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The miniseries is simply a WOWWWWWWWWWWWW!

The series is based upon the notorious Central Park Five jogger case in New York City. A female jogger was brutally attacked and raped in NYC's Central Park back in 1989, and five boys were arrested and imprisoned for the crime.

The only thing was: the boys were INNOCENT.

This series illustrates the lengths law enforcement will go to to solve highly scrutinized cases. The lying, the coercing, the intimidation and everything in between.

After years of imprisonment, the true rapist came forward, and the boys were eventually exonerated of all charges. But their childhoods were gone. The city of New York awarded them a multimillion dollar settlement, but that still couldn't bring back their youthful innocence.

 

Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay's body of work moves me. Period! Her attention to detail is incredible. I mean, her precise storytelling, and ability to find the most talented actors around speak volumes. I found the performances in this series simply impeccable. Especially the performance of Jharrel Jerome!!!!

 

Jharrel Jerome

The young man is supremely talented! In this series, he portrays both the younger version and adult version of his character, Korey Wise. It's hard to believe he memorized lines. Every word he uttered, and every move he made appeared to come from a place of authenticity. Honestly, his work is truly brilliant. My first introduction to him was in the Academy Award-winning film, Moonlight.

By the time the credits rolled on the final episode, I heaved a heavy sigh of relief that the five boys were given their lives back. That justice had finally been served. Truth be told, for people who look like me, particularly male people, this country can be brutal. And often is, actually. But we continue to fight with everything we have.

And everything we are.

This film is a triumph. I strongly recommend it to one and all.

Especially to those who harbor an innate fear and anxiety WHEN THEY SEE US.