We’ve all watched those dramas that are heartwrenching but hard to turn away from – and for many of us that was When They See Us.
The powerful Netflix series is based on the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of teenagers wrongfully convicted of a brutal crime in the 80s.
It follows their story from their arrest to trial and the devastating effects of the injustice they faced.
The main characters include Kevin Richardson (Asante Blackk), Raymond Santana (Marquis Rodriguez), Antron McCray (Caleel Harris), Yusef Salaam (Ethan Herisse), and Korey Wise (Jharrel Jerome). Meanwhile, an older Kevin was portrayed by Justin Cunningham, Chris Chalk played a much older Yusef, adult Antron was played by Jovan Adepo, and Freddy Miyares as Raymond.
Korey’s case was one of the most devastating of all. Due to his age, he was tried as an adult, sent to an adult prison, and separated from the rest of the group. What made it even more heartbreaking was that he wasn’t even at the crime scene where the female jogger was attacked.
The series is tough to watch and shows the heartbreaking impact the case had on the families, especially the mothers who never gave up on them. It’s an emotional story that showcases a painful moment in history.
thoughts
When I watched When They See Us in 2019, I knew very little about the drama or the Central Park Five case. However, I’d heard it was a must-watch, and because I’d seen all the hype around the series, I was glad this was the case. This powerful story showed the heartbreaking failure of the justice system, and it’s something so many people needed to hear.
I bawled my eyes out when Korey was sentenced, especially during the parts where relentless, cruel adults interviewed him and forced him to give a false statement. I felt the heartbreak as their families pleaded with the media, trying to make them understand that their children couldn’t have committed such a heinous crime. But no one listened to their words.
This series deserves more recognition than it’s gotten. It tells the story of young people whose lives were stolen from them – and nothing can ever change that.
If you want more recommendations like When They See Us – keep reading.
The Central Park Five
Directed by Ken Burns, this 2-hour documentary is about the Central Park 5 case with behind-the-scenes footage. It includes clips from news reports, interviews with journalists, and personal accounts from Kevin, Antron, Yusef, Raymond, and Korey. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the full scope of the injustice these young men faced.
13th
13th is a 2016 American documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay. The film is hard-hitting and takes a look at the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, examining how the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, contains a loophole that allows for forced labor as punishment for crime.
There are interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, we learn more about the racism embedded in the U.S. legal system and the ongoing struggles for racial justice.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is an important movie based on the true story of seven people who were put on trial for protesting against the Vietnam War during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The government had charged them with inciting riots, but their trial became a fight for justice and free speech. It’s definitely an eye-opener.
It features an ensemble cast including Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Mark Rylance, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
The OJ Simpson case is one most of us are familiar with. This limited series takes another look at the former athlete as he stood on trial for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson in 1995. It delves into behind-the-scenes footage and media coverage from the time.
Mindhunter
Available on Netflix, Mindhunter is a series that goes behind the scenes in prison where FBI agents try to find out to figure out what drives a killer to murder. Created by Joe Penhall, based on the 1995 true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker.
The Act
The Act is a true crime anthology series that aired on Hulu. tells the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard (played by Joey King) and her mother, Dee Dee. Dee Dee made Gypsy pretend to be sick for years, controlling her life. Gypsy, after years of abuse, kills her mother with her boyfriend.
Unbelievable
Unbelievable is an American drama series about a young woman who is accused of lying about being raped. Two female detectives investigate a series of eerily similar attacks, uncovering a disturbing pattern.
It stars Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, and Kaitlyn Dever.
Making a Murderer
This true crime documentary series, which aired back in 2015, is gripping and one you won’t want to look away from. It follows the true story of Steven Avery, a man wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. After spending 18 years in prison, Avery is released, only to be accused of a new crime shortly after.
The Staircase
The Staircase is a haunting American true crime series that revolves around the death of author Michael Peterson’s wife. The writer is questioned after his wife ends up dead at the bottom of their staircase at their home, leading to the question: is he innocent, or did he murder her?
The Keepers
This true crime documentary is about the unsolved murder of a Catholic nun and the investigation into possible sexual abuse cover-ups in her community. The series aired on Netflix in May 2017 and has been rated highly on IMDb, with an 8/10 rating.
Chernobyl
An HBO series, Chernobyl gives viewers the full story of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine, one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history. It focuses on the events leading up to the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the immediate aftermath, and the efforts to contain the disaster.
The Night Of
The Night Of follows the murder of a woman who was dropped off at a park and found dead the next day. Nasir Khan, who had dropped the woman off, is accused of her death and must prove his innocence.
American Crime Story: Versace
American Crime Story: Versace is about the shocking murder of fashion icon Gianni Versace in 1997. The second series follows the killer, Andrew Cunanan, as he goes on a violent spree, eventually ending in Versace’s tragic death outside his Miami mansion. The show is packed with suspense and drama. It aired in 2018, starring Edgar Ramirez as Gianni Versace and Darren Criss as Andrew Cunanan.
Narcos
This is a gripping crime drama about the Colombian kingpin of cocaine, Pablo Escobar, as a DEA agent is tasked to caputrue him. It’s full of suspense and highly entertaining.
The Fear of 13
This documentary tells the harrowing story of Nick Yarris, who spent 20 years on death row after being convicted of a rape he insists he did not commit. Eventually, he petitioned to be executed.