When They See Us, Netflix poster
Published in 2019 on IMDb
Image sourced from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7137906/
General Description
The poster for the Netflix miniseries “When They See Us,” directed by Ava DuVernay, features a poignant image of young men partially covered by the American flag. The series, which premiered on May 31, 2019, dramatizes the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of 4 Black and one Latino teenagers wrongly convicted of assaulting and raping a woman in Central Park in 1989. The tagline at the top reads, “What if all boys were created equal?” This tagline, combined with the visual elements, emphasizes the series’ exploration of racial injustice and the deep flaws in the American criminal justice system.
Historical Context:
The series recounts the true story of the Central Park Five, who were exonerated in 2002 after DNA evidence and a confession from the actual perpetrator proved their innocence. The wrongful convictions highlight systemic racism and the consequences of media-driven public hysteria.
Highlights
Significance of the Title:
- Implied Questions: The title prompts viewers to consider who “they” refers to (society, the criminal justice system, the media) and how “they” see the boys (through the lens of prejudice and stereotypes).
- Identity and Perception: It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity of the boys, beyond their racial identity and the wrongful accusations against them. It suggests a call to see them as they truly are, not as society’s biased views portray them.
- Justice and Equality: The title questions the notion of justice and equality in America, asking if these boys were ever truly seen as equal citizens.
Visual Elements and Symbolism:
- Symbol of Oppression: The flag, typically a symbol of freedom and justice, becomes a metaphor for the oppressive and discriminatory experiences faced by the boys. It represents the weight of systemic racism and the suppression of their true identities.
- Visibility and Misperception: The title “When They See Us” juxtaposed with the image of the boys covered by the flag highlights the irony of visibility. While the boys are seen by society, they are not truly “seen” for who they are. The flag obscuring their faces symbolizes how their identities are hidden or distorted by societal prejudices.
- Emotional Impact: The visual of the boys’ closed eyes and solemn faces, paired with the title, evokes a sense of empathy and urgency. It compels the audience to reconsider their own perceptions and the broader societal implications.
- Eyes’ Direction: The first boy’s eyes are covered by the flag, suggesting blindness or ignorance—society’s refusal to see the truth. The closed eyes of the other boys indicate despair, resignation, or a forced invisibility imposed by systemic injustice.
- Expressions and Posture: The somber expressions and downward gazes of the boys reflect their suffering and the loss of innocence. It visually represents how society’s unjust perceptions have impacted their lives.
- Boys’ Position: The boys are arranged in a staggered formation, with the last one barely noticeable, symbolizing how marginalized individuals can become invisible in society’s view. The flag’s prominence over them suggests how nationalistic symbols can overshadow individual struggles and identities.
- Colors: The muted and shadowed color scheme creates a somber and reflective atmosphere, reinforcing the serious nature of the series’ subject matter.
Informational and Promotional Elements:
- Director’s Name: The inclusion of Ava DuVernay’s name draws attention to her directorial influence and reputation for tackling social justice issues.
- Release Information: The poster includes the Netflix logo and the release date, “May 31,” informing viewers of when and where they can watch the series.
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