This is the only movie that can make me almost cry just hearing about it, all of the bagby's are just the best type of people, we need more people in this world like Andrew, Zachary, and especially the grandparents. It's a shame that such good people don't last long in this world
She literally destroyed everyone who rejected her. I was in shock throughout the whole thing, I physically couldn't cry until it was over. Jesus Christ.
Oh my gosh, I had no idea going in at the beginning of this documentary, how it would end. But I still can not comprehend what happened. That woman was vile, vile, vile. I live in Canada and am deeply ashamed of the authorities who basically allowed a psychopath free on bail, not once, but twice. So many people in authoritative positions had the ability to make the right choices, but utterly failed... and I don't understand why. Why did they not do more? Why did they not see the obvious? It has made me so angry, so very angry. I can not even begin to discuss Gale West (I refuse to use her legal title, as she does not deserve it) and the murderer's psychiatrist, John Doucet (once again, I refuse to use his once professional title). So sad, so very tragic.
+Brie H Certainly one of the toughest stories I've ever heard, and the film is so well crafted. It's obvious how much the director cared about his friend, and his son.
I watched Dear Zachary last night and I just don't have words. It was a beautiful thing. I didn't see any of the twists coming. I think Zachary and his father touched so many in the short time they were here that their presense will still be felt for a long time to come. The grandparents went through more than anyone should but no matter what they stayed true to the love they have for their son and grandson. We need more people like them.
+Christy Stracener Really well said. I truly think the grandparents were he heroes of the story. The patience and perseverance is inspiring, especially after all they've been through.
It really brings to light how easily laws with give unstable women their children while the dad will be in fear of their child's safety, I know kids in group homes who were forced to live with abusive mothers because the state thinks they shouldn't take the biological mom out of the picture, that ideal has caused one girl I know to see her mother die of a drug overdose and another trying to commit suicide because her mother pushed her to. Biological parents aren't always the best caregivers
Thank you for reviewing this movie. I am pretty easily moved to tears but this movie had me sobbing to the point of hysterics. The love and suffering of the Parents/Grandparents is too much.
+Patricia French Well said.. I really like how you mention the love and suffering together. It's both beautiful and painful to witness. This film comes up in my thoughts often. It's just so well done on so many levels.
I watched this years ago the first time it was on Netflix, I'd only just recently noticed it was back. Absolutely great documentary, but a devastating story.
I watched this documentary last year. I'm not typically one to cry at movies or documentaries (other than Blackfish) but this had me bawling. The twist to the whole story absolutely shocked me to the point that I gasped loudly during viewing. I could not believe it and the tears streamed. A lot of injustice was done when they allowed Shirley Turner out and I feel for Andrew and Zachary's loved ones who evidently loved them so so dearly. The documentary is written, produced and presented so beautifully and is also in a way such a tribute. This one will always be in my heart. I agree with all of your views on this one John!
I listen to documentaries at work. I will tell you, I had to stop and actually watch this entire film start to finish again when I got home. It is an amazing and heartbreaking story. I agree with John, please watch it!!!!!
This was the most heartbreaking, frustrating AND loving tribute to a man called Andrew Bagby. I don't want to lessen the emotional impact by discussing any "spoilers", so I can only say that I highly recommend this film! I have such respect for Andrew's parents and the sheer strength of their character and the depth of their love...
I call this a emotional roller coaster documentary. It was done so well that you felt like you knew the people personally. I loved it, but hated that people went through this.
I cried so hard watching this I had to go sit in a hot shower afterward then go to bed lol. After watching it, I saw this movie on a list of “the best movies you will only ever watch once” and I have to agree. Part of me wants to experience it again but I don’t know if I could handle it. The way it gets to you psychologically because of the quick editing and sound is unlike any other documentary I have watched. But I’m glad it was done that way, to really grab you and allow the audience to begin to understand the trauma and heartbreak Andrews loved ones have experienced. The interviews with his parents were some of the saddest things I’ve ever seen. I just teared up just thinking about it.
This is the most emotional documentary I have seen. Very powerful documentary that was made with much passion and love for Andrew and Zachary. I was very moved and touched by the strenght Andrew's parents display. Completely mindblowing documentary! John, if you need ideas for other documentaries to watch here are some suggestions (you may have watched them already) : Kids for cash, Matt Shepard is a friend of mine, Playground, The dark matter of love, Aileen: life and death of a serial killer, Killer legends, The Imposter. All available on Netflix. :)
I watch a lot of docs but this one really broke my heart, if you haven't seen it get ready for some very shocking twists and turns. It's also a wonderful tribute by the filmmaker to his friend.
Ive been almost afraid to watch this, but i definitely will eventually...been off antidepressants now for a few weeks Id cry at a TV commercial at the moment so i think ill wait till im feeling a little bit stronger
I'm a hard hearted person and worked in the pet cremation field (which animals melt my icy heart abit) and just don't cry. This film had me in near convulsions crying. I have never and hope to never cry like that again, especially when Andrew's father was talking and cussing the monster who killed his son and grandson. This film should be played to see if someone is a socipath, because if they do not cry buckets than they are clearly, devoid of human nature and emotions.
this was the saddest thing I've watched in a long time. having a son just makes it so gut wrenching. how people can think they could do these things just makes me so mad.
I remember watching this on TV a few years ago but might have to watch it again. Watching it you think you know what's going on but then new information is uncovered and it's like a slap in the face. I agree it's really gut wrenching.
Hey John great searchlight episode have never heard of Ben's case very interesting. I will have to trade with you if you get any time check out this movie called "out of the furnace" with Christian bail and oh my ! Let me know what it reminds you of ! Really cool movie pulled me in with the setting and characters and wanted to see more and I'll check out dear Zachary :)
I watched this awhile ago and its so sad. Kate and David Bagby are so strong for dealing with the loss of both their son and grandson. I also watched the Dateline episode about this case and it was really good. There's also a episode of Stalked:Somebody's Watching that talked about the case that was done well
Thanks for this review john it was brilliant Kurt did the best job,didnt move from start to finish.As for shirley there just isnt enough cruel,harsh,rude words in the dictionary to describe her.To think there hearts were broken over her killing there son,yet they bent over backwards to accommodate her so they could see Zachary,Cant help feeling his death was avoidable had the law done a better job.RIP, Father&Son.
The only way to watch this is to go into it not knowing the details. That's what I did and while I was almost pissed about how destroyed it left me, I've since watched it 2 more times. About once a year. It's incredible. Those Bagby's...Man. Ripped my heart out and showed it to me in such an intense way.
If you like True Crime films you might want to check out Appropriate Adult - rated 7.11 on IMDB. It is a dramatized account of the Fred and Rose West murders told from the prospective of Fred's appropriate adult (a social worker that assists people suspected of having mental difficulties - either to prevent miscarriage of justice or negate the use of that defense, depending on your bent). It has been widely praised for its acting of the guy who plays Fred especially. Here in the UK even if there is film of a person committing a crime they are "alleged" in all the papers until a conviction - Fred on the other hand was never convicted but universally is referred to as a mass murder. I have no doubt he was a mass murder, Rose too, but it is a curious thing how if your crimes are that heinous a trial is completely arbitrary. Rose, for example, was convicted but on totally circumstantial evidence.
+GeekenDorx I saw it about two months ago and I was simply amazed. The way you praised the " Dear Zachary" reminded me of this, eventhough it may not be the same gendre.
I don't like the current blurring of the lines between reality and fiction. For example, how you introduce this documentary as a "crime film / drama film" Those terms imply fictional entertainment. Surely if real people have suffered and there is a documentary about it, we should be very clear in our descriptions of it. i.e It's not a "crime film" or a "drama". It's a documentary.
+ChuckyBlackheart That was the classification given to it by IMDB, but to your point about Making a Murderer, is a documentary necessarily a portrayal of the truth? If it isn't, then it is indeed fictional and created for entertainment of some form. Even when people recall memories, if they are not being 100% factually correct, isn't that straying into the realm of entertainment and fiction? How often do two people have very different versions of the same story? It is by it's nature a very blurry line indeed.
GeekenDorx For example, here in the UK, all "documentary's" shown on TV about conspiracy theories are always basically telling the viewer not to believe in such a theory. They are always, without exception, pro-establishment propaganda pieces.
this documentary broke my heart, pissed me off, made me scream, made me cry my eyes out.
BUT, it was a great doc. everyone should see it.
This is the only movie that can make me almost cry just hearing about it, all of the bagby's are just the best type of people, we need more people in this world like Andrew, Zachary, and especially the grandparents. It's a shame that such good people don't last long in this world
+Shinji Ikari I second that!
I concur. You just wanna give David & Kate a hug. Devastating documentary, but one that needs to be experienced at least once.
She literally destroyed everyone who rejected her. I was in shock throughout the whole thing, I physically couldn't cry until it was over. Jesus Christ.
Oh my gosh, I had no idea going in at the beginning of this documentary, how it would end. But I still can not comprehend what happened. That woman was vile, vile, vile. I live in Canada and am deeply ashamed of the authorities who basically allowed a psychopath free on bail, not once, but twice. So many people in authoritative positions had the ability to make the right choices, but utterly failed... and I don't understand why. Why did they not do more? Why did they not see the obvious? It has made me so angry, so very angry. I can not even begin to discuss Gale West (I refuse to use her legal title, as she does not deserve it) and the murderer's psychiatrist, John Doucet (once again, I refuse to use his once professional title). So sad, so very tragic.
I watched this film last night and I have NEVER cried this much in my life.
+Brie H Certainly one of the toughest stories I've ever heard, and the film is so well crafted. It's obvious how much the director cared about his friend, and his son.
I watched Dear Zachary last night and I just don't have words. It was a beautiful thing. I didn't see any of the twists coming. I think Zachary and his father touched so many in the short time they were here that their presense will still be felt for a long time to come. The grandparents went through more than anyone should but no matter what they stayed true to the love they have for their son and grandson. We need more people like them.
+Christy Stracener Really well said. I truly think the grandparents were he heroes of the story. The patience and perseverance is inspiring, especially after all they've been through.
It really brings to light how easily laws with give unstable women their children while the dad will be in fear of their child's safety, I know kids in group homes who were forced to live with abusive mothers because the state thinks they shouldn't take the biological mom out of the picture, that ideal has caused one girl I know to see her mother die of a drug overdose and another trying to commit suicide because her mother pushed her to. Biological parents aren't always the best caregivers
Thank you for reviewing this movie. I am pretty easily moved to tears but this movie had me sobbing to the point of hysterics. The love and suffering of the Parents/Grandparents is too much.
+Patricia French Well said.. I really like how you mention the love and suffering together. It's both beautiful and painful to witness. This film comes up in my thoughts often. It's just so well done on so many levels.
I watched this years ago the first time it was on Netflix, I'd only just recently noticed it was back. Absolutely great documentary, but a devastating story.
I watched this documentary last year. I'm not typically one to cry at movies or documentaries (other than Blackfish) but this had me bawling. The twist to the whole story absolutely shocked me to the point that I gasped loudly during viewing. I could not believe it and the tears streamed. A lot of injustice was done when they allowed Shirley Turner out and I feel for Andrew and Zachary's loved ones who evidently loved them so so dearly. The documentary is written, produced and presented so beautifully and is also in a way such a tribute. This one will always be in my heart. I agree with all of your views on this one John!
I listen to documentaries at work. I will tell you, I had to stop and actually watch this entire film start to finish again when I got home. It is an amazing and heartbreaking story. I agree with John, please watch it!!!!!
+Amy Higginbotham Thanks Amy. Might be one of my favorite docs of this type. Tragic.. yes, but made with such heart and integrity.
Thanks for reviewing this. I watched part of it, but had to stop because I was crying so much. One day I'll try again.
+BirdInFlight I totally understand. It is worth making it to the end though.. it's a beautiful film in terms of its intent and execution.
watched this on netflix last week, brought me to tears.
This was the most heartbreaking, frustrating AND loving tribute to a man called Andrew Bagby. I don't want to lessen the emotional impact by discussing any "spoilers", so I can only say that I highly recommend this film! I have such respect for Andrew's parents and the sheer strength of their character and the depth of their love...
I call this a emotional roller coaster documentary. It was done so well that you felt like you knew the people personally. I loved it, but hated that people went through this.
+abby roadme I totally agree.
I bet a lot of people wanted to kill her. She was an insane woman.
OMG ... John i saw this a while back when it was on Netflix and it did take me through all the emotions.. it is a true nightmare. So sad...
+hyan808girl It's a pretty rare movie that can move me emotionally in so many ways.
I cried so hard watching this I had to go sit in a hot shower afterward then go to bed lol. After watching it, I saw this movie on a list of “the best movies you will only ever watch once” and I have to agree. Part of me wants to experience it again but I don’t know if I could handle it. The way it gets to you psychologically because of the quick editing and sound is unlike any other documentary I have watched. But I’m glad it was done that way, to really grab you and allow the audience to begin to understand the trauma and heartbreak Andrews loved ones have experienced. The interviews with his parents were some of the saddest things I’ve ever seen. I just teared up just thinking about it.
Thank you. Going to watch this - now. Gulp..... Wish me luck. :)
This is the most emotional documentary I have seen. Very powerful documentary that was made with much passion and love for Andrew and Zachary. I was very moved and touched by the strenght Andrew's parents display. Completely mindblowing documentary! John, if you need ideas for other documentaries to watch here are some suggestions (you may have watched them already) : Kids for cash, Matt Shepard is a friend of mine, Playground, The dark matter of love, Aileen: life and death of a serial killer, Killer legends, The Imposter. All available on Netflix. :)
+MsGmm1 Awesome, thanks for all the suggestions!!
I watch a lot of docs but this one really broke my heart, if you haven't seen it get ready for some very shocking twists and turns. It's also a wonderful tribute by the filmmaker to his friend.
+moody girl I totally agree, the most heart-breaking, yet brilliantly created documentary I may have ever seen.
i got a couple of my coworkers to check it out too, they had a similar reaction. I wonder if the filmmaker has made any other documentaries.
I've watched this documentary a few times. It is so well done, not to mention agonizingly depressing and enraging...
I saw this doc a while ago and really enjoyed it.
+Erin Thanks Erin!
OMG I just finished watching doc and so powerful the best doc I have ever seen.
When I watched this documentary a year ago I actually burst out crying, I just want to hug those grandparents so much.
+maggie siskin They were certainly the heroes of this story in my eyes. I don't know how they kept it all together.
Ive been almost afraid to watch this, but i definitely will eventually...been off antidepressants now for a few weeks Id cry at a TV commercial at the moment so i think ill wait till im feeling a little bit stronger
+sockmo Probably a good idea, this is certainly a tear jerker. Hope everything goes well with your change sockmo!
It's also on Netflix right now.
+Jennifer M Thanks Jennifer!
I'm a hard hearted person and worked in the pet cremation field (which animals melt my icy heart abit) and just don't cry. This film had me in near convulsions crying. I have never and hope to never cry like that again, especially when Andrew's father was talking and cussing the monster who killed his son and grandson. This film should be played to see if someone is a socipath, because if they do not cry buckets than they are clearly, devoid of human nature and emotions.
this was the saddest thing I've watched in a long time. having a son just makes it so gut wrenching. how people can think they could do these things just makes me so mad.
I remember watching this on TV a few years ago but might have to watch it again. Watching it you think you know what's going on but then new information is uncovered and it's like a slap in the face. I agree it's really gut wrenching.
This movie broke my heart
When the documentary ended, I almost couldn't breathe and I couldn't close my mouth. It was horribly sad and heartbreaking.
this was the saddest film i had ever seen. couldn't finish it.
Hey John great searchlight episode have never heard of Ben's case very interesting. I will have to trade with you if you get any time check out this movie called "out of the furnace" with Christian bail and oh my ! Let me know what it reminds you of ! Really cool movie pulled me in with the setting and characters and wanted to see more and I'll check out dear Zachary :)
+marquise t Thanks for the suggestion!
I watched this documentary on netglix before seeing this, and it ripped my heart out. tragic.
I have seen this documentary. I couldn't believe how many times that women got away with things.
I watched this awhile ago and its so sad. Kate and David Bagby are so strong for dealing with the loss of both their son and grandson. I also watched the Dateline episode about this case and it was really good. There's also a episode of Stalked:Somebody's Watching that talked about the case that was done well
I am an avid Dateline viewer. When was this case covered?
lynncrf right around when it happened. I think the Dateline episode aired a few months after I don't remember
Heart breaking
Thanks for this review john it was brilliant Kurt did the best job,didnt move from start to finish.As for shirley there just isnt enough cruel,harsh,rude words in the dictionary to describe her.To think there hearts were broken over her killing there son,yet they bent over backwards to accommodate her so they could see Zachary,Cant help feeling his death was avoidable had the law done a better job.RIP, Father&Son.
The only way to watch this is to go into it not knowing the details. That's what I did and while I was almost pissed about how destroyed it left me, I've since watched it 2 more times. About once a year. It's incredible. Those Bagby's...Man. Ripped my heart out and showed it to me in such an intense way.
Your review was perfect!
If you like True Crime films you might want to check out Appropriate Adult - rated 7.11 on IMDB. It is a dramatized account of the Fred and Rose West murders told from the prospective of Fred's appropriate adult (a social worker that assists people suspected of having mental difficulties - either to prevent miscarriage of justice or negate the use of that defense, depending on your bent). It has been widely praised for its acting of the guy who plays Fred especially. Here in the UK even if there is film of a person committing a crime they are "alleged" in all the papers until a conviction - Fred on the other hand was never convicted but universally is referred to as a mass murder. I have no doubt he was a mass murder, Rose too, but it is a curious thing how if your crimes are that heinous a trial is completely arbitrary. Rose, for example, was convicted but on totally circumstantial evidence.
+theakstonsrock Sounds intriguing! Thanks for the suggestion.
You should watch "the Hunt" from Mads Mikkelsen.
+Aleksi Nuutila Thanks for letting me know about it!
+Aleksi Nuutila Great trailer! I will definitely check it out.
+GeekenDorx I saw it about two months ago and I was simply amazed. The way you praised the " Dear Zachary" reminded me of this, eventhough it may not be the same gendre.
I'm glad you didn't talk too much about it. That would have ruined it.
what's your twitter?
+Nadia Moguel @LordanArts See you there!
I don't like the current blurring of the lines between reality and fiction. For example, how you introduce this documentary as a "crime film / drama film" Those terms imply fictional entertainment.
Surely if real people have suffered and there is a documentary about it, we should be very clear in our descriptions of it. i.e It's not a "crime film" or a "drama". It's a documentary.
+ChuckyBlackheart That was the classification given to it by IMDB, but to your point about Making a Murderer, is a documentary necessarily a portrayal of the truth? If it isn't, then it is indeed fictional and created for entertainment of some form.
Even when people recall memories, if they are not being 100% factually correct, isn't that straying into the realm of entertainment and fiction? How often do two people have very different versions of the same story? It is by it's nature a very blurry line indeed.
GeekenDorx Yes I agree. Documentary's usually (if not always!) have a bias.
GeekenDorx For example, here in the UK, all "documentary's" shown on TV about conspiracy theories are always basically telling the viewer not to believe in such a theory. They are always, without exception, pro-establishment propaganda pieces.