When They See Us -

Synopsis:

When They See Us is a gripping and poignant dramatization of the true events surrounding the Central Park Five case, where five Black and Latino teenagers were wrongly convicted of a brutal attack on a white female jogger in Central Park, New York, in 1989. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the series delves deep into the harrowing experiences of these young men, from their unjustified interrogations and trials to their life post-incarceration, highlighting the systemic prejudices and flaws within the criminal justice system.

Main Characters:

Korey Wise (played by Jharrel Jerome): One of the Central Park Five who, unlike the others, was tried and sentenced as an adult. He faced the harshest prison conditions and was incarcerated the longest among the five.
Kevin Richardson (played by Asante Blackk): The youngest of the five, he was just 14 years old when he was arrested.
Raymond Santana (played by Marquis Rodriguez): Another one of the accused who, after serving his time, faces challenges reintegrating into society.
Antron McCray (played by Caleel Harris): Pressured into falsely admitting guilt, he grapples with the repercussions of the case on his family.
Yusef Salaam (played by Ethan Herisse): Wrongfully accused, he faces the challenges of growing up in a hostile prison environment.

Themes:

The series delves into themes of racial prejudice, the flaws and biases within the justice system, the effects of media sensationalism, the resilience of the human spirit, and the overarching impact of systemic racism on marginalized communities.

Rating:

4.8/5 – Critics universally praised “When They See Us” for its unflinching portrayal of racial prejudice and the failures of the criminal justice system. Ava DuVernay’s direction, combined with powerful performances, particularly that of Jharrel Jerome, made it standout. Some viewers found the raw and authentic depiction of the events emotionally challenging to watch, but that is also where its strength lies.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

TV-MA – The series contains mature content, including scenes of interrogation, incarceration, and the emotional and physical distress endured by the protagonists, making it suitable for mature audiences.