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NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY | 'The Keepers'


'The Keepers' is a seven episode American Netflix documentary exploring the murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, that remains unsolved. Sister Cathy taught English and drama in Baltimore's Archbishop Keough High, and her former students believe the authorities covered up her disappearance following Sister Cesnik's suspicions that Rev. Joseph Maskell was guilty of sexual abuse.

With this documentary gaining many positive reviews, it's not hard to find yourself intrigued by the mysteries within the mysteries. It's a heartbreaking and fascinating (though somewhat lengthy) investigation into the murder of Sister Cesnik - and a heavy matter, at that.

Many comparisons can be made to other Netflix documentary series, causing many to think back to the popularity and controversy that was 'Making a Murderer' or 'Amanda Knox'.

'The Keepers' proves to be more researched, proving several different outcomes to what could actually have happened; this makes 'The Keepers' a lot less subjective than its predecessors, where there is an obviously skewed perspective.

A major difference that sets it apart from other documentaries is that 'The Keepers' aims to solve the murder rather than setting a particular person free by clearing their name.

The empathy the documentary series is produced with forces the conclusion to drive the narrative; this makes the series painstakingly horrific - it will emotionally drain you. However, this doesn't mean it's not something that shouldn't be watched - quite the opposite. Marathoning the series may not be the best idea as each episode requires the viewer to allow the content they just watched to sink in, but it is one that deserves to be watched.

What 'The Keepers' proposes is the question about Baltimore's archdiocese, and the truths that needed to be exposed about what was done to protect Maskell, the abuser. It's absolutely heartbreaking to see the women of this documentary recount what happened to them, and what's even worse, that it was hidden away for so long for fear that revealing the truth would expose them to unsurmountable grief.

Sexual abuse is a sensitive topic that has a lot of opinions surrounding it. Even in modern day situations like that with Ke$ha or Brock Turner, where the victims of abuse are met with disbelief, or if they are believed (such as in the Stanford Rape Case that Turner was involved in), the rapist or abuser was jailed, their safety was feared for and his punishment was less than what he deserved.

All in all, 'The Keepers' is a much needed watch that questions the moral fabric of our society as a whole. Compelling viewing deserving of your attention.

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