Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is an American documentary, which was released in 2008. While many individuals helped to make the film a success, it is Kurt Kuenne that put all of the pieces of the puzzle together. After Kurt’s closest friend, Andrew Bagby, is murdered by his former girlfriend, Shirley Jane Turner, Kurt seeks out to create a movie that will capture the essence of Andrew, which can be passed along to Shirley and Andrew’s son, Zachary.

The documentary explores Andrew’s past and character with interviews from his close friends, family and co-workers. What we discover is a friendly, goodhearted man that develops a relationship with a twice-divorced woman, who happens to be thirteen years older. Andrew’s good nature will soon get the better of him, as Shirley’s behavior begins to spiral out of control. Despite an official breakup, Andrew can’t seem to get rid of his old flame. Instead, Turner travels nearly one thousand miles, setups a meeting at Keystone State Park and ends the life of Andrew Bagby. While Shirley heads to prison, the story is anything but over.

Instead, it is discovered that Shirley is pregnant with Andrew’s child, which forces Andrew’s parents, David and Kathleen into the picture. Zachary’s grandparents relocate to Canada, in hopes of gaining custody of Zachary. Instead, they discover a torturous legal process that sees Shirley locked up, released and eventually locked up again. While Shirley is in custody, Zachary belongs to David and Kathleen, but when she goes free, Zachary is returned to Shirley.

Despite this awkward and harrowing arrangement, David and Kathleen brave through it, in order to gain access to Zachary. The only problem? Shirley is anything but stable. A major disaster will soon alter the course and flip their world upside down. Can David and Kathleen overcome their heartbreak? Will the Canadian justice system be put on blast for their failures? Will you be able to make it through the movie, without shedding a tear?

Review


Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a heartbreaking documentary that explores the failure of the Canadian justice system and dealing with loss. Despite being an overwhelmingly bleak film, there are a few moments to laugh and cheer. Kurt Kuenne deserves tremendous acclaim for his outstanding effort. David and Kathleen Bagby should be commended for their bravely, strength and persistence. This is a heartbreaking tale of modern crime, without justice.

While the film focuses on the Canadian justice system, each country’s justice system has their own flaws and kinks that need worked out. Still, it is interesting to see how the story unfolds. The movie is truly shocking and emotional. If you like true crime stories, this will be right up your alley. The documentary deserves an 8.5 out 10.