Review of Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008) by Sebastian W — 04 May 2016

SPOILER ALERT: you have been warned.

My overall impression of Dear Zachary was highly negative due to its content and intensity, but I suppose Kurt Kuenne did a good job with it.

It follows the story of two parents chasing the murderer of their son, his 20-years-older cougar girlfriend. The two parties then have a long custody battle over their grandson and her son. It is to him that the movie is addressed. Toward the end, it starts to look hopeful that they will get the child, but then the evil mother kills herself and him. The grandparents then become activists against crappy laws.

Kuenne definitely interviewed the right people, mainly all the people he possibly could have. The interviewees gave good, thorough answers, which told an effective story.

Kuenne used the technique of quick cuts to convey intensity, as well as occasionally multiple people talking at once. This was effective in intensifying key parts of the film. He also used the technique of quick talking over cuts of text on paper. He frequently had a montage of all the interviewees answering the same question, which is helpful. Much of the movie was photos and footage compiled to tell the story effectively, even when they were from a different context.

The story was conveyed effectively. While I would have preferred it more toned-down, I suppose the intensity was necessary for what Kuenne wanted to convey. It did a good job of leading us through the events as if we were there.

The ending sucks. I hate this type of thing, and would never watch this movie. The problem for me is that it is all true. But if it is your thing, I'm sure you will love it. It was well done.