Netflix can always be relied on when it comes to interesting, hard-hitting, thought-provoking documentaries, and that’s certainly the case with their newest true crime show The Innocence Files. The eight-part series investigates unique cases of wrongful conviction and witnessing the injustice in the episodes is leaving viewers in furious tears.
I’m 20 minutes into episode 1 of #TheInnocenceFiles and I’m already screaming.
— Candace Johnson (@MsJ_Tigers) April 16, 2020
- These men have been done wrong. Netflix’s The Innocence Files dedicates an episode to eight men believed to be the victims of wrongful conviction: Chester Hollman III, Kenneth Wyniemko, Alfred Dewayne Brown, Thomas Haynesworth, Franky Carrillo, Levon Brooks, Kennedy Brewer, and Keith Harward. All of these men were convicted of crimes they didn’t commit and spent years in prison and some even on death row because of it.
- It’s an incredibly difficult watch. Hearing about the experiences of these men and how much of their lives were lost to the system that failed them is incredibly hard to watch and absolutely heartbreaking. We all believe that the justice system is there to punish the guilty and release the innocent, but so many times, that’s not what happens.
- Netflix subscribers have been taking to social media to express their sadness and fury. After starting to watch The Innocence Files, viewers have been taking to Twitter to sound off on the series, with one writing, “I’m 20 minutes into episode 1 of #TheInnocenceFiles and I’m already screaming.” Another added, “Anyone seen The Innocence Files yet? Justice system in the US is anti-poor, damn! I almost broke down in tears watching those episodes. I have two more to go!” It says something that the show is causing such strong reactions before people have even finished it.
- It really is an eye-opener. Netflix has broken down The Innocence Files in three distinct sections to make each case easier to understand (and get angry about): evidence, witness. and prosecution. Through each of these sections, you get to see how such profound injustices end up taking place, from misidentification, misleading scientific “evidence,” and even outright misconduct on behalf of the police.
- If you want to better understand what’s happening in the US justice system, this is worth a watch. It will be hard, for sure, but the more we pay attention to these things, the more empowered we will feel to change the system and hopefully, the less these wrongful convictions will happen. Here’s hoping, anyway.
#TheInnocenceFiles on @netflix I’ve only watched episodes 1 & 2 but I am HEATED 😡
— Svelte™ (@Love4Brandie) April 16, 2020
Anyone else watchin #TheInnocenceFiles? I’m on episode 4! Amazing work but so gutted to hear about Levon😭 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit to than pass away 10 years later? Sigh. He didn’t even get to really enjoy his freedom. I’m not ready for the next episodes😫
— 🦄 (@issapandemicc) April 16, 2020
The innocence files on Netflix is heartbreaking
— Minaminoooo (@freddywinter) April 15, 2020
Heart breaking hearing levon say about "what he put his mother through"
When he didn't do nothing 😢 #TheInnocenceFiles— Lauren (@Lauren58136020) April 16, 2020
Busy watching The Innocence Files on Netflix and it's making me completely sick to my stomach, anger, sad, all the the bloody emotions you could imagine!😡😢
— 🖐Scott☝️ (@RedsOrDead) April 16, 2020
