Watch Seven Seconds

Seven Seconds is a Netflix original series that premiered in 2018, starring Michelle Veintimilla as Monica, one of the supporting characters. The show is a crime drama that revolves around a hit-and-run accident involving a white police officer and a black teenager in Jersey City, New Jersey. It explores themes of racial tension, police brutality, and the American justice system.

The show starts with the accident itself, which is dramatized in slow motion and serves as a haunting visual motif for the rest of the series. The officer, Peter Jablonski (Beau Knapp), flees the scene and covers up the crime, while the victim, Brenton Butler (Daykwon Gaines), is left comatose in a hospital. The rest of the show follows the aftermath of the accident, as the police department, lawyers, and family members all try to piece together what happened and seek justice for Brenton.

Michelle Veintimilla plays Monica, the girlfriend of Kadeem (Zackary Momoh), one of the main characters and a friend of Brenton's family. Monica is a nurse who becomes an integral part of the story, as she discovers evidence that could help the prosecution's case against Jablonski. As the only eyewitness to the accident, she is under pressure from both the defense and the prosecution to testify in court. Monica's loyalty to Kadeem and Brenton's family is tested as she is forced to make a difficult decision about whether or not to get involved in the case.

The show is not just about the hit-and-run accident, but also its ripple effects on the lives of the people involved. Each episode reveals more about the characters and their relationships, both with each other and with the larger community. There are multiple subplots, such as the investigation into a related drug case and the personal lives of the detectives assigned to the case. Each subplot adds depth and complexity to the story, making it more than just a simple whodunit.

One strength of Seven Seconds is its well-rounded and diverse cast of characters. The show does not shy away from exploring the different perspectives and experiences of its characters, particularly with regards to race. The racial tensions between the black community and the police are palpable, and the show does not provide easy answers or resolutions. Instead, it challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths of systemic racism and police brutality in America.

The acting in Seven Seconds is top-notch, particularly from the ensemble cast. Veintimilla delivers a standout performance as Monica, displaying both vulnerability and strength in her portrayal of a woman caught between conflicting loyalties. In addition, Regina King shines as Brenton's mother, Latrice, who is determined to find justice for her son. She delivers a powerful monologue in the final episode that cements her status as one of the show's most compelling characters.

The production values for Seven Seconds are also impressive. The show is shot on location in New Jersey, giving it an authentic feel that grounds the story in reality. The cinematography is beautiful, with a muted and desaturated color palette that reflects the bleakness of the situation. The music is haunting and atmospheric, adding to the overall sense of unease and tension.

Overall, Seven Seconds is a gripping and thought-provoking show that tackles difficult subject matter with intelligence and sensitivity. It is not an easy watch, but it is a worthwhile one, especially for those interested in exploring issues of race and justice in America. And while Veintimilla's role as Monica is relatively small, she makes a big impact and adds an important layer to the show's already complex narrative.

Seven Seconds is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on February 23, 2018.