Watch Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
- NR
- 2008
- 1 hr 35 min
-
8.5 (41,433)
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a 2008 documentary film directed by Kurt Kuenne. The movie is a tribute to Andrew Bagby, a young doctor, who was murdered by his ex-girlfriend, Shirley Turner. The film takes form as a letter to Bagby's son, Zachary, who was born after his father's death. The film begins with the story of Andrew Bagby, a charming and intelligent man who had a bright future ahead of him. Andrew meets Shirley Turner in medical school, and they begin a tumultuous relationship. When Andrew decides to break things off with Shirley, she becomes violent and threatening towards him. Despite the warnings of his family and friends, Andrew remains in contact with Shirley, hoping to help her cope with her mental health issues.
On November 5th, 2001, Andrew's body is found in Keystone Park, Pennsylvania. He had been shot five times, and his car was found abandoned nearby. The community is shocked by the murder, and Andrew's parents, Kate and David Bagby, are devastated by the loss of their son. However, their grief is compounded when they learn that Shirley Turner, who was pregnant with Andrew's child, has fled to Canada to avoid being arrested for the murder.
The film follows the story of Andrew's parents as they fight to gain custody of their grandson, Zachary, and bring him back to the United States from Canada. The Bagbys are determined to give Zachary a loving home and keep him away from his mother, who they believe is dangerous.
Kurt Kuenne, a childhood friend of Andrew's, uses the film to document the Bagbys' struggle to bring Zachary home. The documentary includes interviews with Kate and David Bagby, as well as Andrew's friends and colleagues. Through these interviews, viewers learn about Andrew's life and the impact he had on those around him. The film also features footage of Zachary growing up in Canada, unaware of the tragic circumstances that led to his birth.
As the Bagbys fight for custody of Zachary, the film takes a dark turn. Shirley Turner is arrested for the murder of Andrew, but instead of facing justice, she is released on bail and becomes a fugitive. This development causes the Bagbys to fear for their safety and raises questions about the Canadian justice system.
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a heart-wrenching documentary that explores the themes of loss, grief, and resilience. The film is a testament to the power of family and the lengths that a parent will go to protect their child. The movie is a moving tribute to Andrew Bagby, a man who touched the lives of many, and a testament to the Bagbys' love for their son and grandson.
Overall, Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a powerful documentary that will leave viewers deeply moved. It is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in true crime or wants to explore the impact of tragedy on a family. The film is a remarkable tribute to the life of Andrew Bagby and a testimony to the Bagbys' love for their son and grandson.
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5 and a MetaScore of 82.