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When They See Us poster

When They See Us (2019)

2019 • 1 season • TV-MA
On September 20, 2026
#124652
1246th by attention TV show online
15.7Attention ScoreAttention ScoreOur daily Attention Score measures public activity and popularity signals across the web.How it works →

All reviews

Peter McGinn on When They See Us

9/10 · Aug 5, 2020

I initially hesitated about watching this miniseries because I'd heard so much about it, and I assumed I already knew how things would end—why invest time in a bleak, disheartening recreation of events? However, I decided I needed to give it a try. The overwhelmingly positive reactions from many viewers, contrasted with the intense dislike expressed by a small number, suggested that it must be well-made and faithful to the facts to elicit such strong responses. And indeed, that proved to be true. The performances struck me as excellent; though I’m certainly no film critic—I simply respond to what appeals to me and appears skillfully done—the acting was impressive. There were some disturbing scenes, which the narrative requires, but fewer than I expected, and they were offset by moments of kindness shown toward the five boys. The storytelling structure felt unusual; it wasn’t presented strictly in chronological order or focusing on each suspect individually, but rather a blend of both approaches—showing parts of the story as a group and then splitting off to explore individual narratives. It's difficult to articulate precisely, but the technique worked well. I won’t delve into the racial prejudice and injustice that form the foundation of this narrative. The series portrays individuals who are decent and those who aren’t. Some of the good characters make errors in judgment, while a few of the less admirable ones manage some measure of redemption. Others do not. Ultimately, it conveyed to me the idea that hope is more attainable when love exists, and love flourishes with hope.

Source on TMDB

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