Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
Oscilloscope Pictures | Release Date: October 31, 2008
8.5
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 74 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
64
Mixed:
5
Negative:
5
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
emilymarieestesJan 15, 2014
This movie...it should come with a warning. What can I say? I was deeply moved by this film but at the same time I was extremely disturbed. I have never before written a review for a movie, but even 3 hours after finishing thisThis movie...it should come with a warning. What can I say? I was deeply moved by this film but at the same time I was extremely disturbed. I have never before written a review for a movie, but even 3 hours after finishing this documentary...I cant move on. I cried like I have never cried before. And this film made me feel things that i have never experienced with a movie. I felt mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted after completing it. With all of this being said, it is just absolutely spectacular. It will change you, at least for the rest of your day. I have a feeling I wont be the same for the rest of the week....at least. THE SADDEST AND MOST MOVING FILMS I HAVE EVER SEEN.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
10
MarkKammelMay 31, 2011
Few films could posses this much content to make you so angry, then show you how you can put a stop to it. Kurt Keunne tells a daring, personal story about a family. At first, it has nothing to do with you, but by the end, it will be your business.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
8
joomjim4Jun 18, 2012
This piece of documentary is the most mind-blowing true-crime movie I have ever watched. It promotes not only the love in the family but also ones who're out there and truly love you for being you. This film shows how the devil like SherilThis piece of documentary is the most mind-blowing true-crime movie I have ever watched. It promotes not only the love in the family but also ones who're out there and truly love you for being you. This film shows how the devil like Sheril Turner still exists in the community and able to live with the normal people or the kindest people like Dave and Kate due to the rubbishness l of the legal system and public authorities in New Foundland.
(Heartbreaking, Deavastating emotional impact, Gut-wrenching, Mind revolution)… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
The3AcademySinsMar 21, 2018
Dear Zachary is one of the most powerful, evocative, and emotionally draining documentaries that has ever been made. If you like documentaries at all, this is a must-see. I won't say anymore than that because this is a film that is best seenDear Zachary is one of the most powerful, evocative, and emotionally draining documentaries that has ever been made. If you like documentaries at all, this is a must-see. I won't say anymore than that because this is a film that is best seen "going-in-blind" as they say.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
5
LauraMNov 7, 2008
I didn't enjoy the style of the movie. I did, however, think that the black eye given to the Canadian government on the handling of this case was well-deserved.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
2
DylanLJul 25, 2009
The story here needed to be told: it is tragic and saddening. The storytelling is simply the worst I have experienced in years. Why this guy thought he had to create this pathetic atmosphere with the editing and music and the questions he The story here needed to be told: it is tragic and saddening. The storytelling is simply the worst I have experienced in years. Why this guy thought he had to create this pathetic atmosphere with the editing and music and the questions he asked is beyond comprehension. At moments where the story is genuinely shocking and you need some time to reflect on the enormity of what has happened this director is making a collage of soppy pictures in embarrassing sequence with terrible fake music and at one point trying to make his crap editing evoke rage when everyone needs a moment to take in something quite incredibly shocking. A very important story, ruined. Read the book by the Mr Bagsby instead.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
DanNov 2, 2008
This is a terrible movie about an amazing true life story. Bad editing, heavy handed story telling and sappy. I'm actually embarrassed for all the parties, except for one.
0 of 2 users found this helpful
9
Nesbitt10Dec 29, 2012
What starts as tragic story of an extraordinary young man being murdered, begins to takes unimaginable twists and turns leaving the viewer in disbelief. In 2001, Andrew Bagby, a medical resident, is murdered by his ex-girlfriend in Lancaster,What starts as tragic story of an extraordinary young man being murdered, begins to takes unimaginable twists and turns leaving the viewer in disbelief. In 2001, Andrew Bagby, a medical resident, is murdered by his ex-girlfriend in Lancaster, PA. Shortly after her arrest she announces she's pregnant with Andrew's child. Kurt Kuenne, one of Andrews friends, begins a cross country trip to make a film for Zachary, a father he will never know. Running parallel to this devastating story is the remarkable family and friends of the victim, displaying relentless perseverance keeping Andrews spirit alive and how he touched so many lives around the world. Andrew's devastated parents uproot their entire lives and relocate to Canada in order to fight for the future of their newborn grandson. During this time, the Canadian government freed Turner (ex-girlfriend) on bail as she awaited extradition to the United States. As a result, a tragic story of loss evolves into the unimaginable. Despite this painful story of loss, it is the awe-inspiring people that make this documentary so poignant and unforgettable.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
LeoPAug 2, 2009
It's like riding an emotional roller coaster with a bomb strapped to your chest.Then the bomb explodes.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JayHFeb 19, 2009
It is impossible not to be moved by this documentary. It's very well edited and the footage used is outstanding. Thorough and detailed. An incredible story that you will not soon forget.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LyleS.Apr 6, 2009
Amazing!. The story is compelling, the characters interesting and developed, the editing and story telling unique. I'm surprised about any doubt to this movies majesty - the intensity of the editing matches the rage of the story. A must see!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RandyPApr 7, 2009
The less you know going in to this documentary, the more the impact. I was completely unaware of this story and was stunned at the turns it took. A very good watch!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ChristineZDec 11, 2008
Emotionally exhausting.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BrandenRDec 8, 2008
People were going crazy over this movie. If this movie was just about Zachary. It would have worked. It just a horrendous way of film making. The overly dramatic music, the overlapping voices, talking head after talking head, the manic People were going crazy over this movie. If this movie was just about Zachary. It would have worked. It just a horrendous way of film making. The overly dramatic music, the overlapping voices, talking head after talking head, the manic editing. It was tragic subject inside an awful filmmaker.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EmilySJul 30, 2009
I am a docu buff and have lately been on a roll, watching all of Metacritic's highest rated documentaries (its taking a while!) This film is truly exceptional. In my opinion, though the editing style is unusual, I believe it fits the I am a docu buff and have lately been on a roll, watching all of Metacritic's highest rated documentaries (its taking a while!) This film is truly exceptional. In my opinion, though the editing style is unusual, I believe it fits the film perfectly--an emotional style for a movie that cries from the heart. Its one of the better-made documentaries that I've seen. Julie P is absolutely right in that after I saw this film, I cried on and off all night...I felt as though I couldn't have any fun because it was all so horrible. This is completely unusual for me--I'm not generally a crier, and I usually like sad emotional movies. If you dislike all films with sad endings, skip this one. However, everyone else should see it. It will stay with you, for better or for worse.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SarahJDec 9, 2008
Haunting movie that I could not stop talking about and urging others to view.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JuliePJul 19, 2009
I have never seen anything like this documentary. When it was over, I felt as though I'd been beaten with a heavy stick, and my body ached for fully two days. After a week of intermittent weeping, I've come to realize that this I have never seen anything like this documentary. When it was over, I felt as though I'd been beaten with a heavy stick, and my body ached for fully two days. After a week of intermittent weeping, I've come to realize that this film has put me into a genuine state of mourning. I can't recommend it highly enough, but only to mature teens and adults who are willing and able to be plunged into a period of grief.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SamJNov 18, 2008
Dan, you are a complete asshole. This is one of the greatest documentaries ever made!!! SHATTERING!!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ckaryApr 25, 2012
A very engrossing, spine tingling film. It's definitely not an easy watch, as the film changes gear more than most professional race car drivers, but to that point, it may be just as thrilling. To add to that, the subject matter isA very engrossing, spine tingling film. It's definitely not an easy watch, as the film changes gear more than most professional race car drivers, but to that point, it may be just as thrilling. To add to that, the subject matter is unsettling. However, Keunne captures a nearly unbelievable story in a way that makes it nearly impossible to look away. It can be a bit too much to handle at times, and by the end of the film you will be emotionally exasperated, but maybe Keunne made the film this way so that viewers would feel the pain of the tumultuous story vicariously through his storytelling. It won't appeal to all, but those who can get everything out of it that was put into it will be thinking about it for some time to come.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
Compi24Apr 29, 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 beenProbably 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.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
SheitanSep 23, 2013
Obvious spoiler warning.

The story that this documentary is based on deserves to be told and that Kuenne wanted to create a tribute to his friend is a touching idea. Unfortunately, he didn't do as good a job with it as he could have,Obvious spoiler warning.

The story that this documentary is based on deserves to be told and that Kuenne wanted to create a tribute to his friend is a touching idea. Unfortunately, he didn't do as good a job with it as he could have, simply because of his editing and the way he told the story. The source material is great and he has plenty of it, but instead of letting all the people he interviewed and all the documents tell this sad and infuriating story, Kuenne apparently felt the need to "enhance" his documentary with an annoying amount of effects and often frantic editing. Gut punches like the cut from the news about Zachary's disappearance to the report about his death (easily the most shocking moment of the documentary) are completely ruined by this decision. The worst part were the childish Monty-Pythonesque scenes that showed an image of whoever was quoted with a comical CGI mouth and the endless repetitions near the end, just in case the viewer didn't get the point during the first dozen times.

This should have been the masterpiece it deserved to be, but I guess that Kuenne couldn't control his emotions while putting the documentary together.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
3
gracjanskiOct 23, 2020
Edited horribly: too fast, I cant even follow and that ruined the whole movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
MattBrady99Mar 16, 2015
David Bagby and Kathleen Bagby lost both they son and they own grandchild and I can feel they pain and it's amazing how much they hold strong during tough and difficult times. God bless you Kathleen and David, stay strong.

Dear Zachary isDavid Bagby and Kathleen Bagby lost both they son and they own grandchild and I can feel they pain and it's amazing how much they hold strong during tough and difficult times. God bless you Kathleen and David, stay strong.

Dear Zachary is about a filmmaker decides to memorialize a murdered friend when his friend's ex-girlfriend announces she is expecting his son.

I've seen many Documentary's in the past that can make me tear up or get me shocked, well not like this one that actually got to me deep inside. To those who think I'm spoiling the whole Documentary well all this did happen and thanks to the world wide web if you even search this up it would already be spoiled for you, even at the start of this review I already spoiled it.

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a heartbreaking and a truly outstandingly documentary that I got to warn you it's not a easy watch sometimes, because this has to be the most depressing Documentary I ever come across. These never like a full happy moment, just a tragic one to get your head around. Now will recommend this and the answer is yes and no as well, just like I said early it's not a easy watch and some people like the happy go lucky stories with a happy ending, but to those who can handle this kind of story then go ahead because it's worth a watch. It's a powerful Documentary.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
hanneguacamoleJan 15, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I can never say "sorry" enough for the insurmountable tragedy faced by David and Kathleen Bagby and their friends and family. I do not believe this was meant to be a movie about tragedy, yet that's what it became, through absolutely no fault of the filmmaker. The story became what it needed to be; to tell Andrew's story and to prevent Zachary's from ever repeating itself again.

I really enjoyed the care Kurt put into recording Andrew's memories and his life while noting that it certainly wasn't perfect, and leading us to the road of his untimely death. While tragic, Dear Zachary conveyed sadness and grief while telling his story concurrently. The anger over the system was palpable, and while the legal proceedings were the driest aspect of the film, they seemed to serve as a way for those affected to cope with their loss. To tell Zachary about a person whom he never knew, and for Zachary, a person most of the world never got to know.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
NeverpearlJan 27, 2016
I think some people missed the point of the way this film was made--it has a home made, family type feel because it is a deeply personal and heartbreaking story. It is an effective way to tell a terrible story, and I was very impressedI think some people missed the point of the way this film was made--it has a home made, family type feel because it is a deeply personal and heartbreaking story. It is an effective way to tell a terrible story, and I was very impressed because it actually inspired me to want to do something to help and not just carry on with my day as so many more professional documentaries do. Excellent and moving. On a personal note, it made me very ashamed of my native legal system (I'm a Canadian).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
ljbdanJul 28, 2016
This film will send shivers down your spine & emotionally exhausting. It not only talks about one aspect of life... it talks about life as a whole itself.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

82 Critic Reviews

8.5 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 84 Are You There God? It's Me,...
2 78 John Wick: Chapter 4
3 75 Polite Society
4 73 Air
5 72 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among...
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL