The Keepers – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Keepers

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2017

38%

WISE Score

Gripping but deeply disturbing true-crime doc about a nun's murder and alleged Church cover-ups—adults only.

The Keepers

show

TV-MA, 2017

38%

WISE Score

Gripping but deeply disturbing true-crime doc about a nun's murder and alleged Church cover-ups—adults only.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a well-made, important documentary that handles horrific subject matter with respect. The critical reception is strong, and it gives voice to survivors in a way that feels dignified rather than exploitative.

But let's be crystal clear: this is absolutely not for kids or even most teens. The detailed discussions of murder and clergy sexual abuse are deeply disturbing, even without graphic reenactments. This is the kind of true-crime content you watch alone after the kids are in bed, not something that accidentally plays in the living room.

For adults interested in investigative journalism, institutional accountability, or understanding how systemic abuse operates, it's genuinely enriching. Just keep it far away from young eyes and ears.

Age Fit

This is for adults only. Even mature older teens (17+) should approach with caution and only if they can handle extremely heavy content about murder and sexual abuse. Common Sense Media suggests 15+ but that feels optimistic—this is really 18+ territory.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a deeply disturbing true-crime documentary about murder, alleged sexual abuse by clergy, and institutional cover-ups. While it handles the material with respect and avoids gratuitous reenactments, the subject matter—survivor trauma, systemic abuse of power, and a decades-old unsolved murder—is emotionally heavy and far from uplifting. It's not exploitative, but it's definitely not wholesome content.

Imaginative

As a documentary, it's investigative rather than imaginative in the creative sense. It does invite viewers to think critically about institutional power, justice systems, and how survivors navigate trauma. The storytelling is compelling and well-structured, weaving together archival footage and interviews, but this isn't content that sparks creative play or wonder—it's about piecing together a real-world tragedy.

Safe

TV-MA rating, Common Sense Media 15+ (with one parent suggesting 18+). Contains detailed descriptions of murder, discussions of sexual abuse by a priest, and emotionally intense survivor interviews. While there's no graphic violence or nudity on screen, the narrative content is deeply disturbing and absolutely not appropriate for children. This is definitively unsafe for younger viewers and requires significant maturity even for older teens.

Enriching

For mature audiences, this is genuinely enriching—it explores institutional accountability, the long-term impact of trauma, investigative journalism, and how communities reckon with buried secrets. The series has strong critical reception (Metacritic 78, IMDb 8.0) and offers meaningful insight into systemic abuse and the courage of survivors. But the enrichment is entirely dependent on the viewer having the emotional maturity to process extremely heavy material.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Thoughtfully investigates institutional accountability and systemic abuse without sensationalizing
Gives voice to survivors and centers their courage in seeking justice decades later
Strong critical reception (Metacritic 78, IMDb 8.0) for its respectful, non-exploitative approach
Raises important questions about power, complicity, and how communities handle buried trauma

⚠

What to Watch For

Detailed descriptions of murder and sexual abuse by clergy—no graphic visuals but very disturbing narrative content
TV-MA rating; Common Sense Media says 15+ minimum, some parents recommend 18+
Emotionally intense interviews with survivors that may be triggering for anyone with trauma history
This is absolutely not family viewing—keep it off when kids are around

Conversation Starters

"What does this series reveal about how institutions protect themselves versus protecting victims?"
"How do you think the survivors' decision to speak out decades later impacts their healing?"
"What role does investigative journalism play in uncovering stories that powerful organizations want buried?"
"Why do you think it took so long for these allegations to be taken seriously?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic