Review: When They See Us

Animals. Wolf Pack. “Wilding.” These words were not only used to describe five Black and Brown boys in Harlem, but also managed to set the tone for a judicial system that isn’t always implemented fairly.  “These kids are on a rampage!” exclaimed Linda Fairstein (played by Felicity Huffman). In the Ava DuVernay-directed When They See Us, we follow the Central Park Five through coerced testimonies, convictions and eventual freedom. For four staggering parts, we get a comprehensive story of who these boys were as they fight to reclaim their names and dignity.

In 1989, following a violent rape and assault in Central Park, authorities took the five boys into custody as primary suspects – Korey Wise, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana Jr., and Kevin Richardson.  Eventually tried and convicted, it wasn’t until 2002 when DNA evidence cleared the name of the (now) men. After filing a lawsuit against NYC for malicious prosecution, emotional distress and racial discrimination in 2003, the city eventually settled for $41 million in 2014.

The series succeeds in weaving well-rounded stories of who these boys were prior to and during their trials. There was plenty coded language in the media coverage of the event – the current president of the United States decided to participate, as well – that positioned the boys  as monsters. What was common and apparent in this language was the aging up of these boys to make them appear as grown men. There are many studies that support how common of a  viewpoint this is among white people, one that can end in tragic results. Parts 1 and 2 of the series do a stellar job of reinforcing how young they truly were – from hanging out with their girlfriends and homies to simply hanging out in their school uniforms. Paired with fantastic casting and acting from the young versions of the Central Park Five, the story drives the motives and fear behind their confessions and calls into question how legitimate these confessions were.

Every performance is lived-in, well executed and believable. One performance in particular is a standout amongst the standouts: Jharrel Jerome as both young and adult Korey Wise. When it was first announced that only Jerome would play his younger and older self, there was a bit of understandable confusion. But in the context of the series it makes perfect sense. Jerome – of Moonlight fame – pours his soul into the performance and balances child-like fear with the unfortunate burden of growing up too fast. The last part of the series focuses fully on Korey for a good reason: He was the only boy tried and convicted as an adult. Jerome fully commits to playing this role and every minute he’s on screen we watch him age through its acting. It’s a raw and gut-wrenching performance that deserves awards consideration.

When They See Us is Ava DuVernay’s most heartbreaking, but best work yet. A well-crafted piece of work that masterfully presents A+ performances, thoroughly researched narratives and a facet of this story that wasn’t told in the late 80’s. Now 30 years later, there’s an opportunity to tell this story – a story of lost innocence, of vilification, of racial profiling, and unjust law enforcement practices.  Society is finally placing a microphone in front of these silent voices, and it’s now time to hear them.

When They See Us begins streaming on Netflix May 30.