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Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father Reviews

Mar 23, 2025

Documentaries are hit or miss for me generally. "Dear Zachary" is easily one of the most impactful true crime documentaries I have ever seen and it completely floored me. The story starts out with a gut punch and doesn't let up until the very end. Despite the nature of the story being extremely tragic or upsetting, there is an optimism that this film still manages to provide by the end. I found myself moved to tears in multiple moments in this documentary and as it evolved it just became a tougher story to process. Overall, it is a masterclass in the documentary genre and simply one of the most moving films I have ever experienced, and it leaves a truly profound impact that few films are able to achieve.

Jan 20, 2025

I’m not sure who buried this film! Well done Kurt! You did an amazing job for Kate and David! They are saints and incredibly strong!

Jul 31, 2024

i told myself i’d never watch this again. this time i mean it.

Apr 26, 2024

Andrew and his story are so very special and are portrayed in quite literally the most magical way possible. What comes after is beyond tragic. Will always return to this story.

Apr 30, 2023

Probably one of the most unforgivingly devastating and infuriating documentaries — nay, films overall — you'll ever watch. A movie that'll make you, your hopes and your opinions of people in general feel so small and empty. A story I've been aware of for some time, but have just never had the guts to see in its lauded cinematic depiction. More than one good thing may have come out of "Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father." Changes made in society at large and to legislation in Canada in specific. But, at what cost? As a thinking, feeling human being, it's hard not to dwell solely on the abject horror of everything that happened. Here's hoping that someone further down the line can look back on all that's been prevented since the events in question and be truly grateful. Right now, though, it's just still hard.

Apr 28, 2023

Advance warning especially for parents, this movie is devastating, maybe more than any other movie you've ever seen. Its best if you don't know to much about the motive so just know awful things happen but you'll meet two of the most amazing people that will give you hope for humanity. They are as close to saints as I have ever seen. This is a must watch and I guarantee it will stay with you for years. Easily the saddest documentary I have ever watched. If this movie doesn't move you then I would check for a pulse.

Apr 26, 2023

This movie was heartbreaking. If it wasn't bad enough that the father of this young fella was murdered but what happens to this little boy is just an injustice. So very sad for the grandparents. I did enjoy all the footage and the thoughtfulness of saving it for Zachary. Tear jerker!

Apr 22, 2023

I can't wait to watch this again someday. Bit dehydrated after lots of tears to this beautiful and loving film.

Apr 10, 2023

Documentary filled with raw emotions.

Mar 30, 2023

This is one of those films that you can only watch once.

Feb 26, 2023

This is probably the most powerful, emotionally involving and outrageous documentary I have ever seen. If you can stand immense governmental neglect and injustice, then this is a must see for you.

May 29, 2022

You're drawn by a documentary, genuinely intrigued out of curiosity either towards the subject matter or the documented genre's deliverance, while knowing you're going to learn something between an insight that advocates a changing action amidst a revelation and something absorbing as reaction towards the indication of passionate delivery. This one is boundlessly both, with an unexpected impact leaning towards unpredictability because this is a case that inspired something personal under aforementioned passion, before reflectively transforming as life wasn't developing for the better. Bookmarked by saddening news then transitioning towards demand for change in the legal system. Probably the most absorbing documentary to ever imprint the screen and affect the viewership as it ultimately proves that one life is valued by many, stirring such a touching tribute that celebrates life. Kurt Kuenne did not hold back in every aspect that relates to his project and the evolved case that spelled injustice with gathered evidence and perspectives that bluntly criticized the legal system over their wrongdoing. From a touching tribute that continues during transitioning into a disturbing crime story that furthered the emotional drain with heart-wrenching twists and shocks. Never lost focus of its center within the connective vast of thorough research and investigation at loving lengths, strengthened by honoring beloved memories of the fallen friend who touched their lives and spiritually encouraged them to fight and remember. (A)

May 2, 2022

One of the saddest stories ever transformed into one of the saddest Documentaries ever. The ripple effect is undeniably devastating. And Kate & David Bagby deserve sainthood.

Dec 9, 2021

I just finished this documentary and I'm in tears! it's one of the best documentaries I've seen but it's also very frustrating and upsetting!!

Sep 27, 2021

This one is fucked up!

Aug 17, 2021

It's personal, it's rage inducing, it has godly editing. Watch it, for the simple fact of how it must've been painful for everyone involved to create this documentary.

Apr 17, 2021

David Bagby, with every one of his outbursts, speaks for me in a way that I pray I never have to speak.

Sep 14, 2020

It's the most excruciating, heartbreaking film I ever see. Besides the fact that the story is unbelievable in a very dark way, the direction, music and editing is amazing. I dont want to tell too much about the movie itself. It's a masterpiece, no doubt. As a writer and film student, Im amaze, but as a human be, im devastated.

Dec 18, 2019

Possibly the saddest true story documentary ever created

Dec 6, 2019

I have watched this heart wrenching, breath tacking documentary many times over the years. I felt Kathy and David's pain and I commend them for seeking reform for others so no one else will have to go through what they have. Thank you Kurt for letting us see how wonderful this family is. You did an amazing job.

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