The title of the four-episode Netflix docuseries released in May that retells the crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein appropriately sums up how he was able to get away with it for so long. He was filthy rich.
Netflix goes into detail on how the financier acquired his wealth over the years and how he used his wealth, powerful connections and isolated locations to intimidate young women into doing anything for him. The series also goes into detail on how the number of women who came forward with new allegations continued to rise and would eventually turn into what some have called a molestation pyramid scheme of underage girls.
Someone once told me, “The job of any good documentary is not to take a side, but rather to invite debate and discussion.” Netflix gives numerous characters who some might say were on Jeffrey Epstein’s side, who covered for him, who condoned his behavior or who ran in his inner circle the opportunity to have a discussion. Instead, many chose to stay quiet or simply issue a statement justifying their actions or denying all allegations against them for their part that they played in all of this.
The true power of this docuseries comes from the women who were brave enough to step forward and share their stories of abuse. An abuse that took place when many were under the age of 18.
Hearing the interviews of these women and how their lives were changed forever is something that will make you angry. Not just because it’s hard to hear how someone could take advantage of the innocence of a child, but because it’s nothing new. You can hear almost the exact same stories being told from survivors of R. Kelly and Larry Nassar’s abuse.
Watching how people who had the power to do something turned a blind eye may make you lose faith in some of the institutions that were designed and put in place to protect us. It’s hard not to, but now when we are living in a time where survivors are feeling empowered to step out and speak their truth maybe more than ever before, the least we can do is watch and listen.
So bravo to Netflix for giving these women the opportunity to share some of the deepest and darkest memories that have stayed with them all these years and bravo to those who fought for them to have their day in court.
Stay safe, streaming and stay tuned for next week’s Netflix review.
-Quarantined Binge-Watching Queen
