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When They See Us leaves viewers with a heavy heart. Netflix’s mini-series explores the Central Park Five case, following the injustices faced by people of color within the American criminal justice system. This particular instance captures the agony of wrongful conviction of five boys and the dehumanization they endured, offering a visceral experience that challenges viewers to confront the realities of systemic racism.

Set in a racially charged New York City in 1989, the series immerses its viewers into the lives of Kevin Richardson (Asante Blackk) , Antron McCray (Caleel Harris), Raymond Santana (Marquis Rodriguez), Korey Wise (Jharrel Jerome), and Yusef Salaam (Ethan Herisse). The show starts by showing the boys’ day to day lives, showing five regular teens, before they are accused of a crime that completely shifts the rest of their lives.

Coerced confessions and manipulation by law enforcement made the scenes leading up to their trial heartbreaking and infuriating. The layers of deception that lead to their wrongful convictions, illustrates the failures of the justice system and leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Jerome’s performance as Korey Wise is particularly noteworthy. He showed a raw and haunting demonstration of incarceration, displaying the lost years and fractured identity that wrongfully convicted individuals often experience. As the story progresses, the shift in the boys’ demeanor and appearance serves as a reminder of the irreversible changes they encountered within the time they served.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the mini-series on Netflix or watch the trailer (runtime:2:58).

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