The Keepers, a new Netflix documentary series, delves into the cold case of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a nun murdered in Baltimore in 1969. Directed by Ryan White, the series goes beyond a simple whodunit, focusing on the victims and their relentless pursuit of justice.
Unlike Making a Murderer, The Keepers centres on the victims rather than the accused. White began work on the series before Making a Murderer's success, aiming to tell multiple stories. The series features interviews with key witnesses, police, former pupils, and journalists, but few church officials.
The investigation is driven by a group of dedicated former pupils of Sister Cathy, now in their sixties, who band together to uncover the truth. Each episode ends with a new revelation, propelling the narrative forward. What starts as a cold case unfolds into a tale of systematic abuse, repressed memory, and institutional cover-ups involving the church, police, and state prosecution.
Father Maskell, a student counsellor at Archbishop Keough school, emerges as a central figure, accused of sexual abuse. Attempts to indict him were allegedly thwarted by complicit police and a local doctor. The series questions whether Maskell was connected to Cesnik's death and whether the story is more about the cover-up than the murder itself.
White handles the sensitive material with clarity and respect, ensuring the human beings at the heart of the story are never overlooked. Episode three stands out for its unexpected turn. For those who enjoy The Keepers, similar series include Three Girls and Making a Murderer.
