Watch They Call Us Monsters

They Call Us Monsters is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary film that exposes the harsh realities of the juvenile justice system in America, focusing on three teenage boys who are facing life sentences for violent crimes. Directed by Ben Lear, the film portrays the lives of these young men as they prepare to face their trials, as well as the daily struggles they face while incarcerated.

The film takes place inside the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, California, where the boys, Jarad, Juan, and Antonio, await their trials. Each one of them has committed a serious crime, ranging from armed robbery and attempted murder to involuntary manslaughter, but the film challenges the audience to look beyond their crimes and see the humanity in these young men.

We are introduced to Jarad, a 16-year-old boy with a love for writing who is facing 200 years to life for four attempted murders. Despite the gravity of his charges, he remains hopeful that the judicial system will offer him a second chance. Juan, on the other hand, is an 18-year-old boy from El Salvador who was abandoned by his parents at a young age and grew up on the streets. He is facing life without parole for his involvement in a gang-related murder. Lastly, we meet Antonio, a 14-year-old boy with a troubled past who is facing life without parole for the murder of his aunt's boyfriend.

The film addresses the topic of rehabilitation and questions whether or not these boys deserve a second chance. In a program called InsideOUT Writers, the boys are given the opportunity to express themselves through writing and poetry, and they soon discover the power of their own voices. Through writing, the boys can share their innermost thoughts and feelings, and explore the reasons behind their actions. This program gives us a glimpse into their personal lives, showing us who they are beyond their crimes.

They Call Us Monsters also highlights the racial disparities in the criminal justice system. We see that the majority of the population inside the juvenile hall is Black and Latino, and that these minorities are disproportionately affected by the justice system. Furthermore, the film shows us that the boys are being tried as adults, despite the fact that their brains are not fully developed until their mid-20s. This raises questions about the fairness and effectiveness of our justice system.

The documentary also features interviews with various experts, including lawyers, psychologists, and advocates, who provide their insight and opinions on the issue of juvenile justice. They highlight the flaws in the system and offer solutions for reform.

Overall, They Call Us Monsters is a heartbreaking and eye-opening documentary that challenges viewers to question their beliefs about the criminal justice system. It is a reminder that behind every crime, there is a story and a person, and that justice should always aim to rehabilitate rather than simply punish. The film offers a glimmer of hope for these young men, but also exposes the harsh realities of the justice system in America.

They Call Us Monsters is a 2017 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 65.