Fix: Weepy Sobfest Guaranteed to Make You Feel Better About Your Life
Platform: Netflix
Netflix Summary:
Kurt Kuenne’s tribute to his murdered friend, Andrew Bagby, tells the story of a child custody battle won by Bagby’s ex-girlfriend and accused killer.
FYA Summary:
Having a nice day? Well, that’s about to change.
In this gripping documentary, filmmaker Kurt Kuenne pens a love letter to his dead friend Andrew and, as the story progresses, amends his letter to include Andrew’s child, Zachary. Part documentary, part true-crime story and part memoir, Kurt’s collection of stories and remembrances about Andrew are packaged for the son who will never know him . . . even though that son’s mother is the person accused of murdering Andrew.
Familiar Faces:
Unless you are familiar with Newfoundland & Labrador’s extradition or victims’ rights laws, you probably aren’t familiar with any of these faces, since this is a documentary starring real people.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Extremely Low
I mean, your mileage may vary, but I can’t imagine gathering a bunch of friends around for this movie. I just want to sit on the couch with only my pets surrounding me, crying into a pint of ice cream, and grieving over the loss of life.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: It Depends
It all depends! Is this your first time watching Dear Zachary? If so, I’d suggest that you watch it stone-cold sober. Is this your eighth time watching it, because you enjoy pain? Then get very, very drunk.
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Best
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; these types of movies are the reason Netflix Streaming exists. Would I have ever checked this film out when it was released, or if I had to search for it? No. But over the years, it’s become something of a cult classic for Netflix Streaming subscribers, and for good reason. It’s not perfect or slick, but it’s just the kind of heartfelt offering that makes your Netflix subscription so special.
