Netflix viewers have been left in tears over the harrowing real-life story portrayed in When They See Us.
The drama crime series revisits the harrowing true story of the Central Park Five, who were wrongfully imprisoned for rape in 1990.
Trisha Meili, a 28-year-old white jogger, was severely beaten and brutally raped in 1989 before being dragged to a shallow ravine and left for dead in Central Park, New York.
Hispanic teens Raymond Santana and Kevin Richardson, both 14, Antron McCray and Yusef Salaam, both 15, and Corey Wise, 16, were all arrested on suspicion of rape.
The infamous case saw two trials take place in 1990, with all the teens handed 5-10 year sentences, while Corey Wise was tried as an adult and sentenced to 5-15 years in prison.
However, their charges were overturned in 2002 after serial rapist Matias Reyes confessed to raping Trisha Meili several years prior, resulting in the five men being awarded a collective $41 million settlement.
The Netflix series was only released on May 31 but fans have already been taking to social media to praise it.
“Tough to watch ‘When they see us‘ without shedding tears #Netflix,” said one.
While another commented: ““When They See Us” on Netflix is beyond crazy! Had me in tears the entire time!”
A third wrote: “just finished when they see us… in tears. what a completely gut wrenching and eye opening series that EVERYONE should watch #WhenTheySeeUsNetflix”
A fourth said: “Omg “when they see us got me in tears like them boys didn’t do that… and it’s based on a true story”
And a fifth stated: “‘When They See Us’ on Netflix got my blood boiling & has me crying tears of frustration man.”
Since dropping on Netflix less than a week ago the crime series, directed by acclaimed director Ava DuVernay, has been really well received.
When They See Us was directed by acclaimed director Ava DuVernay and tells the tale of the black and Hispanic teens.
Antron is played by two actors Caleel Harris and Jovan Adepo, while Kevin is played by
Asante Blackk and Justin Cunningham and Yusef is played by Ethan Herisse and Chris Chalk.
Meanwhile, Raymond Santana is played by Marquis Rodriguez and Freddy Miyares and Korey by just one actor, Jharrel Jerome.
The four part series spans 25 years, from the night of the incident through to September 2014, when the Central Park Five all received their settlement by a federal judge.
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
