The mini-series available on Netflix since May 27 Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (dirty rich) is much talked about. The series deals with a sensitive subject. It is carried out on the basis of testimonies and archives. We are following the investigation into the multimillionaire businessman accused of sex trafficking on minors. The documentary series consisting of 4 episodes of one hour each, is based on a book dating from 2016. His name: Filthy Rich: A Powerful Billionaire, the Sex Scandal that Undid Him, and All the Justice that Money Can Buy: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein written by James Patterson. This book came out long before Jeffrey Epstein's arrest and suicide in prison. Of course, the facts of the documentary are much more recent since it dates from 2019 and follows the story of Jeffrey Epstein until his death the same year. 
A strong title resonating on this case
Jeffrey Epstein: Power, Money and Perversion. A title that perfectly sums up this businessman and the stories in which he was involved. Power, a word that describes him and that he could have worn proudly. This billionaire could manipulate and use his wealth as he pleases as we can see in the documentary. The victims themselves tell their lawyer that he does not realize how powerful he is. His fortune amounts to 634 million dollars. It is thanks to this money that he creates a pyramid scheme of sexual abuse. It is in this trafficking of minors that we find the word Perversion. 
A credits as chilling as the title
The title is parallel to the credits which also summarizes Epstein's life. There are entire routes of banknotes representing his wealth, but also his power. His many second homes mentioned in the documentary are also represented. His mansion in New York is visible, it is one of the places where many touching took place. Another place highlighted in the credits is a private island, which he owned, located in the Virgin Islands. It is nicknamed "tragic island". This is precisely the title of the third episode. Finally, photos of sexually abused girls are based on annotated sheets. These hundreds of pages surely refer to the reports, complaints and documents that concern this case. 
The original soundtrack is dark, anxiety-provoking. The main theme, composed in C minor, accentuates this almost oppressive aspect. Charles, our music expert on JustFocus explains:
"In this original soundtrack, we are constantly looking for anxiety, darkness and violence of musical frequencies. The listener is then trapped in an endless negative and conflictual spiral. The evolution of the arrangements is done in particular with plugins that emit vibrations remaining in the range of bases. We add to this gradually tones that swear and conflict with C minor. These processes cause a harmonic and melodic impossibility for the listener. It is a conflict of frequencies, they "rub" against each other and evoke frustration, treachery and discord. Although not very innovative, this sound illustration is effective and supports the process of investigation and stressful investigation with the viewer. We appreciate the quality of the plugins which, if not revolutionary, are well chosen."
The "survivors" testify
Eight women victims of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse testify with their faces uncovered in this documentary. Courageous women who look back on traumatic facts. Director Lisa Bryant, accompanied by documentary filmmaker Joe Berlinger, calls these victims survivors. A powerful vocabulary word that is not the only one throughout the series. The phrase "Hunting Ground" is the title of the first episode. It refers to the places where Ghislaine Maxwell, the alleged companion of the sex offender, found her prey. 
This documentary highlights the voices of victims in every way. By showing them in front of the camera of course but not only. No voice-overs are used in this documentary. It is the testimonies that build it and in particular those of young women, lawyers and other alleged culprits like Alan Dershowitz. The annotations to be added are written on a black background rather than spoken orally. This is a very original and relevant point in this kind of documentary. 
Archival footage that supports the veracity of the facts
Many archival images used throughout this documentary serve to support the authenticity of the facts. The series does not tell the story chronologically. Rather, it is told in the form of how the abuses were discovered. This is not always easy to follow the facts. However, the years are notified at each change of period. But, it is sometimes difficult to navigate in time. The archival documents are numerous and include shocking photos and videos. Including that of Prince Andrew with Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of the young women who was part of Epstein's trafficking. The man is also accused of raping her. 
Some videos are also shown. Old testimonies of young women, for example, show the atrocity of Epstein's actions. We can also see complaints made decades ago that have not been acted upon. A point targeted in the documentary is precisely the non-responsiveness of justice in the United States in this case.
American justice questioned
Jeffrey Epstein was rich. He defied the authorities simply with his money. During the documentary we see archival footage of an interrogation he faced. The businessman refuses to answer questions about the sexual relations he allegedly had with minors. It uses the Fifth Amendment. In the Constitution of the United States of America, it protects the questionee not to testify against oneself. For subsequent answers, he will simply answer with a simple "Same answer". The scene is present in the first episode and is chilling. This part of the documentary questions the limits of American justice, and it is not the only place that proves flaws in this system. Since 1996, there have been numerous complaints against this man. Two sisters had been abused, one of them even directly denounced him in the FBI premises. The case was never followed up. There have been other complaints. Like that of a young model in 1997. The official document, shown in the documentary, testifies to the fact. 
How could the American justice system ignore all his complaints and testimonies? Would money prevail over justice?
The police had begun an investigation into sexual relations with minors. In 2006, Palm Beach police finally issued an indictment on several charges including unlawful sexual intercourse with minors and indecent assault. Epstein will plead not guilty to the only charge against him. In 2008, the case continued and he faced life imprisonment. He will only serve 13 months in prison in luxurious conditions since he even gets the right to go to his office 6 days a week.
Jeffrey Epstein: A Never-ending Story
He was arrested on July 6, 2019, at an airport in New Jersey, while returning by private jet from Paris. The businessman, accused of sex trafficking on minors, stands in federal court in New York two days after his arrest. This time, justice is firm, no bail will be possible (he will offer $ 500 million). Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of two counts – solicitation for prostitution and pimping of a minor – faces life in prison. On August 10, 2019, he was found hanged in his cell. 
The hanging is questioned in the documentary. Jeffrey's brother hires a forensic pathologist to verify the autopsy. He comes to the conclusion that it is very unlikely that he hanged himself in this way (with a sheet and fell forward) given the damage to his hyoid bone under his jaw.
A death described as cowardly by the victims. They will never be able to see him serve his sentence in prison. He also leaves behind many questions. What about Prince Andrew and the charges against him? And for his powerful friends Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Woody Allen, Harvey Weinstein or Kevin Spacey, what really happened? Were they all aware of these cases? These 4 hours of viewing that captivate and horrify us, leave us in the dark on many points.
When the documentary comes to an end, we observe the first victim we see in the series. She paints the survivors who attended the trial, with whom she befriended. A kind of loop that has come full circle. A little paradoxical with all these questions that remain unclear, but it is a step that allows the gradual reconstruction of these women.
