Review: Dear Zachary – A Letter to a Son About His Father

Documentarian Kurt Kuenne tells the story of his friend Dr. Andrew Bagby, a well-loved and respected man murdered in cold-blood at just 28 years old. Kuenne frames this film as a tribute to his friend but specifically for Andrew’s son Zachary to understand the father who was tragically taken away from him before his birth. This would sadly not be the only tragedy documented before the film’s completion.

 

Whenever I see a discussion about the best true crime documentaries, this 2008 Kurt Kuenne film is almost always mentioned. As is the notion that it’s a devastating film that will emotionally wreck you. So if you’ve not seen the film, go ahead and watch it first. You should generally read my reviews afterwards anyway. Nonetheless, bear that description in mind because this film does seem to upset the vast majority of people who have seen it. I can definitely understand why, however my main emotion both times I’ve watched this film – yes, I’ve subjected myself to it twice over the years – has been one of anger. This tragic story frustrated and angered me greatly. This is a story that never should have happened. I’m furious that it did happen.

 

Kuenne hooks you immediately with priceless amateur film footage that Andrew and his loved ones made, including his nice, loving parents. Early on you already know that this was a good guy and a great best friend. These are all relatable people, and Andrew clearly had a lot of people who loved him. You know you’re a good egg when multiple people in your life wanted you to be their best man at their wedding. The baby photos of Zachary are heartbreaking, it’s unmistakable how much he looks like his dad. Again though, my main emotions here were anger and frustration. If you’re not angry enough at the killer, the law will absolutely piss you off here. There were some truly maddening court decisions here. At the very least you surely don’t give custody of the victim’s child to his killer. I don’t care if it’s her kid too. As for that killer, I don’t believe in hell, but if there is one I know who’s got a special place there. What a narcissistic, murdering, absolute piece of human waste.

 

I’m not overly keen on Kuenne’s sometimes crude filmmaking here, but he does an OK job and I respect him for not putting himself on screen too often. The story and the people are the important thing here, although even then I think there are some family tree tangents that aren’t particularly necessary. I think it would’ve made for a fine ID documentary episode, instead of a feature film documentary. It doesn’t have the extra something that say “Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God” or “The Imposter” has.

 

This is a film about when bad people end up in the orbit of good people and destroy everything. And it seems like everyone else could see it. When he died, everyone seemed to know instinctively who was responsible. Andrew deserved better, instead he accepted love from the worst person possible in every way for him. 28 years old. A doctor. A father. A son. A friend. Killed. For what? This film could’ve been tighter and more polished, but it’s a heck of a story, a tragic, awful, infuriating story. I’m infuriated all over again. Why on earth did any of this have to happen?

 

Rating: B-

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