Documentaries have a unique way of shining a bright light on certain pressing issues in society. They present information in a way that the news media can’t, or shouldn’t- with emotion. This form of storytelling gives the viewer the
“Time: The Kalief Browder Story”
This Netflix series dives into the tragic case of Kalief Browder, a Bronx teen who got wrapped up in the corrupt judicial system and spent three horrific years on Rikers Island. Browder spent his time on Rikers Island without being convicted for a crime. At 16, he was accused of stealing a backpack, and his family couldn’t afford the bond set at $900. And without a trial, he sat at Rikers Island for three years, with two of those years spent in solitary confinement. This is a gut-wrenching documentary that shows the seemingly ginormous cracks in the criminal justice system, and just how easy it is to fall into them.
“The Case Against Adnan Syed”
This four-part HBO documentary series explores the 1999 murder of 18-year-old high school student, Hae Min Lee. Her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed was convicted for the murder and the extremely murky case, to say the least, was traced by the podcast, “Serial.” This podcast garnered global attention, subsequently turning it into a docu-series, as well. This is one of those unsolved mysteries that will haunt you, but in the best way possible. The series revisits the evidence in the case and possible discrepancies along the way. Investigative pieces like these, is what I live for. To sum up the series perfectly, one of Adnan’s most loyal advocates said, “When you are working a case that you think is a wrongful conviction, you’re only on one side, and that side is getting to the truth.”
“Leaving Neverland”
This HBO documentary is one that everyone should watch. It delves into the bone-chilling story of Michael Jackson and his alleged relationships with two young boys in the 1990s. Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both claim that Michael Jackson abused them as children, this documentary focuses on their stories. The boys were seven and 10, respectively, when they said the abuse started. The documentary starts by telling the story of how the boys met Jackson, to how they started being abused. Then, it dives into the weird, secret relationships that ensued between the individual boys and Jackson, to how they survived it in their adult years. This two-part series about the intimate details of the alleged abuse was bone-chilling to say the least. It opens your eyes to how sexual abuse can be found anywhere, and for many, in their favorite pop stars. In an age where sexual assault/abuse is becoming a popular conversation in society, I hope that more documentaries like this come out. This documentary can also be related to the docu-series “Surviving R. Kelly.” Both documentary series are so important, not only to change the perspective and culture around sexual abuse, but to give the victims a chance to tell their stories, unimpeded.