OCTOBER 2023:
When They See a Gripping Portrayal of Injustice and Resilience…
Ava DuVernay‘s When They See Us is a tour de force of storytelling, weaving together the harrowing true events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case with the lives and families of the four Black and one Latino male suspects—Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise. Premiering on Netflix in four parts on May 31, 2019, the series offers a searing indictment of systemic racism, police coercion, and media sensationalism, while also celebrating the resilience and humanity of its central characters.
Real-Life Character Comparisons:
**1. Korey Wise (portrayed by Jharrel Jerome)**
Korey Wise’s journey from innocence to incarceration to eventual exoneration is at the heart of When They See Us. Jharrel Jerome‘s portrayal of Wise is both heart-wrenching and powerful, capturing the young man’s vulnerability and strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. The role earned Jerome the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards. In real life, Korey Wise‘s experiences closely mirror those depicted in the series, from his coerced confession to his wrongful conviction to his eventual release from prison after serving over a decade behind bars.
**2. Raymond Santana (portrayed by Marquis Rodriguez as a teenager and Freddy Miyares as an adult)**
Raymond Santana, portrayed with nuance and depth by Marquis Rodriguez and Freddy Miyares, is one of the Central Park Five who finds himself swept up in the nightmare of the case. Like his on-screen counterpart, Santana endured years of injustice before being exonerated, his life forever altered by the wrongful conviction. Miyares’ performance in particular captures the toll that incarceration takes on Santana, as he struggles to rebuild his life after years of wrongful imprisonment.
**3. Linda Fairstein (portrayed by Felicity Huffman)**
In contrast to the central characters of the series, Linda Fairstein, the prosecutor in the Central Park jogger case, is portrayed in a decidedly negative light. Felicity Huffman‘s performance depicts Fairstein as ambitious, ruthless, and unyielding in her pursuit of convictions, even at the expense of justice. While Fairstein’s real-life actions have been the subject of controversy and criticism, some have argued that the portrayal of her character in the series may oversimplify her role in the case.
**4. Matias Reyes (portrayed by Reece Noi)**
Matias Reyes, the real perpetrator of the Central Park jogger assault, is portrayed in When They See Us by Reece Noi. Reyes’ confession and subsequent DNA evidence ultimately led to the exoneration of the Central Park Five, highlighting the grave miscarriage of justice that occurred in their case. Noi’s portrayal of Reyes captures the complexity of the character, from his initial denial of involvement to his eventual admission of guilt and remorse.
**5. Sharonne Salaam (portrayed by Aunjanue Ellis)**
As the mother of Yusef Salaam, Sharonne Salaam is portrayed with grace and dignity by Aunjanue Ellis. Her unwavering support and fierce advocacy for her son are depicted as crucial elements in Yusef’s eventual exoneration and release. Ellis’ performance captures the emotional depth of Sharonne’s character, from her initial shock and disbelief at her son’s arrest to her tireless efforts to seek justice on his behalf.
When They See Us is a powerful and timely exploration of one of the most notorious cases of injustice in recent history. Through its gripping storytelling, stellar performances, and unflinching examination of systemic racism, the series serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of truth and justice. While not without its flaws and controversies, When They See Us is an essential viewing experience that demands attention and action from audiences worldwide.
When They See Us is available now on Netflix…