“The Keepers” is a nun’s murder mystery that morphs into a full-blown Catholic Church scandal.
And it’s got two retired Nancy Drews leading the charge.
By the end, you’ll be ready to canonize these amateur sleuths and wonder how deep the rabbit hole of institutional corruption really goes.
I binge-watched it at almost the same quick pace as I did “Making a Murderer”.
It will rank high when I write my list of “Top Church Scandal Documentaries” (I’m working on it!).
Trailer for “The Keepers”
Watch “The Keepers”
You can watch the full docuseries on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/title/80122179
You can find the latest streaming options at:
Ratings:
- My Rating: 94/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 94/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)
Release Date: February 1, 2020
Review of “The Keepers”
Sister Cathy Cesnik knew too much.
“The Keepers,” directed by Ryan White, explores her 1969 murder. It’s seven episodes of gripping storytelling. Baltimore, Maryland, sets the scene.
Sister Cathy was a nun and a beloved teacher. She disappeared on November 7, 1969. Her body was found January 3, 1970. This was only the beginning.
Her disappearance and the discovery of her body two months later form the central mystery of the doc. Sister Cathy taught at Archbishop Keough High School.
Father Joseph Maskell, the school chaplain, worked there too. Maskell abused students, horrifyingly. The church knew, but covered it up.
Gemma Hoskins and Abbie Schaub, two former students of Sister Cathy, investigate. Their dedication is described as “cinematic gold” by the director. They want answers. They dig deep, uncovering dark secrets.
The 7-episode series (about 56 min. per) expands beyond just the murder case to explore allegations of widespread sexual abuse at the school. Survivors tell their stories. Jean Wehner (Jane Doe) is central.
She recalls terrible abuse by Maskell. Jean connects Cathy’s murder to the abuse. It’s chilling.
The doc gives survivors a voice. You hear their pain, anger, and resilience. Ryan White handles their stories with care. Sensitive yet unflinching. He exposes institutional corruption.
Officials knew about the abuse. They did nothing.
Baltimore police, school officials, the church. Everyone failed these girls.
Hoskins and Schaub are relentless. They sift through documents, interview witnesses. Piece by piece, the puzzle forms. Their dedication is inspiring. The doc delves into Maskell’s past.
He’s monstrous. His crimes spanned years. The series isn’t just about the murder. It’s about systemic abuse and cover-ups. The church protected Maskell. They silenced victims. They moved Maskell to different parishes.
Survivors are brave, sharing painful memories. It’s heartbreaking to watch. The doc reveals many details. You see old photos, hear recordings. It’s immersive.
The editing is tight, effective. Pacing keeps you hooked. Episode three is particularly compelling for its unexpected twists. Details are precise.
Ryan White conducted extensive interviews and used reenactments to piece together the story. The documentary reveals the identity of “Jane Doe,” a key witness.
Through community outreach, they uncovered 40 other women with similar abuse experiences. The series spans decades of pain. Survivors seek justice still. Their stories need to be told.
“The Keepers” is about them. It’s about accountability. It’s about not forgetting. This doc is a must-watch. You’ll be moved. You’ll be angry. Most importantly, you’ll be aware. Sister Cathy’s story isn’t just hers. It’s a call for justice.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc