Documentaries are often overlooked when people are trying to figure out what film they want to watch. Face it, when is the last time you ever really wanted to learn something while relaxing with a movie and a beer? Well, I’ve chosen three documentaries that are just too good to pass up. Not only are these documentaries immensely entertaining, but they are thought-provoking, intelligent, and sometimes depressing (but hey, most great films are.)
The first documentary is “Dear Zachary.” Let me start by saying that this film is heavy. Like really heavy. If you’re a cryer, get the Kleenex.
“Dear Zachary” is subtitled “A letter to a son about his father,” and that sentiment couldn’t be more true. The documentary takes place in Canada (stay with me,) and is all about a man named Andrew Bagby being murdered by his ex-girlfriend Shirley Jane Turner. What’s more is that at the time of her arrest, Turner admitted that she was pregnant with Bagby’s son. Whoa. But wait, due to ridiculous legislation, the Canadian legal system did little-to-nothing to keep Turner from raising her baby, Andrew’s baby, Zachary. Why? Because Turner’s psychologist claimed she was sick. OK, that’s cool. Just let a murderer raise a child.
The film is meant to be a cinematic scrapbook of sorts for baby Zachary, so he could one day watch it and know who his father was, and, who his mother was. The film was shot and edited by Bagby’s good friend Kurt Kuenne, who did a damn fine job. The documentary plays like a first-rate thriller rather a documentary, due to the twists and turns it takes until it is revealed that Andrew Bagby had been murdered. Andrew’s parents are interviewed throughout the film, and holy shit, try not to cry. It’s depressing stuff. But, depressing or not, this is a film you should see. Give documentaries a chance.
You can view the film on Netflix.
Grade: A
Ryan at the Movies 