Netflix's When They See Us: As agonising as it is crucial

I consider myself pretty desensitised when it comes to films, due to being introduced to horror films at a young age, there’s not much that phases me. So, I don’t usually find something hard to watch.

Whilst venturing through Netflix over the weekend, I stumbled upon When They See Us, a mini-series created, written and directed by Ava DuVernay who is known for depicting some of our biggest downfalls as a human-race. The series follows the real-life events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case which left a woman in critical condition after being attacked whilst jogging in the park.

The story focuses on the five suspects, four black and one latino, of the case who were eventually charged with the crime and served time. One of them, Korey Wise, served in an adult prison at just 16-years-old. But, they were falsely convicted.

After serving their sentences of 5-15 years, a convicted serial rapist and murderer Matias Reyes confessed to the crime – as well as an attack on another woman. This was 12 years later.

With no DNA evidence and no solid proof, the boys were charged with assault, robbery, riot, rape, sexual abuse, and attempted murder. In a court of law that would have been a stretch, had they not confessed.

But why would four out of five innocent boys confess to crimes they didn’t commit? This is initially where When They See Us, begins.

The first episode shows the boys being taken into police custody where they are held in for questioning. However, the detectives used manipulation tactics, including telling each of the boys that their peers had pointed the finger at them and falsely claiming their was evidence against them.

They even questioned 14-year-old Kevin Richardson without a guardian present and emotionally tortured him into a confession. Yusef Salaam was quoted as saying, “I would hear them beating up Korey Wise in the next room”, and “they would come and look at me and say: ‘You realize you’re next.’ The fear made me feel really like I was not going to be able to make it out.”

The show is incredibly difficult to watch and hits the nail on the head with topics about mistreatment of ethnic minorities that are poignant today – 30 years later. The scene where Kevin Richardson, played by Asante Blackk hysterically begs his sister to sign a confession paper so he could “just go home” is particularly excruciating to watch.

When They See Us gives a very raw, graphic depiction of how the judicial system fails a number of people and shows how people in power abuse their positions. Shocking, in this situation, is an understatement.

Admittedly, I only managed to make it through the first episode without having to take some time to process the level of travesty I had seen. But, with such an important story to tell, this is one show we, as human beings, have a duty to watch.

Oprah Winfrey is also set to interview the Central Park Five, now referred to as the Exonerated Five, as well as the cast and creative behind the series. Oprah Winfrey Presents When They See Us Now will premiere on Netflix on June 12.