Dear Zachary is the only film that has made me cry. [23], Murders of Andrew Bagby and Zachary Turner, Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador, Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, Learn how and when to remove this template message, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, "Murder-suicide funeral: An assignment to dread", "No need for Zachary Turner to die: death review", "Canadian judge let Turner free despite U.S. advice", Why Was an Accused Killer Free to Kill Again? Dear Zachary He explains that as parents who lost a son, they "could do nothing but cry, all day,every day." She was raised with three siblings in Wichita, Kansas, but moved to Newfoundland with her mother after her parents separated; the parents later divorced. However, as events unfolded and took an even more tragic turn, he decided to release the film publicly. WebTheres no shortage of harrowing documentaries, but Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is one of the most intense. If youre fascinated by the world of true crime, sign up for our newsletter. [12], Peter Debruge of Variety called the film "a virtuoso feat in editing" and noted: "The way Kuenne presents the material, with an aggressive style that lingers less than a second on most shots, it's impossible not to feel emotionally exhausted. The film also received the Special Jury and Audience Awards at the Cinequest Film Festival, was named an Audience Favorite at Hot Docs, received the Audience Awards at the St. Louis International Film Festival and the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, and was named Best Documentary at the Orlando Film Festival. Released in 2008, the film makes the cut as one of the greatest documentaries of all time. Have the Island Boys lost their net worth after alleged murder? Her boyfriend is called Victor and they both love listening to The Cure, reading Byron, and gazing upon William Blake prints. On 12 November 2001, Turner abandoned her residence in Council Bluffs and flew to Toronto, eventually resettling in St. John's with her oldest son. When I saw the title, next to a 94 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, I wasnt convinced. Yes! Your favorite summer hobby and how you got into it. After Turner mademultiple failed attempts to arrangefor the children to reside with differentfamily members, they eventually settled in with their respective fathers. Markesteyn ultimately concluded that internal disagreements between caseworkers and managers weren't openly discussed and that an intervention by an outside office should have been made. His intention was just to explore Bagbys life and interview those who knew him. Kuennes film transforms into a visual letter to the child that Andrew never got to meet. The case led to a critical overview of Newfoundland's legal and child welfare systems as well as Canada's bail laws. We play detective, piecing together the fragments of a story until we get the satisfaction of looking at a complete picture. Kurt Kuenne is an award-winning filmmaker and composer of both fiction and documentary films. Among those who named it one of the best films of 2008 were Time Out Chicago, The Oregonian, the Times Herald-Record, Slant Magazine, and WGN Radio Chicago. WebDear Zachary is a documentary, and there is a fallacy about documentaries that this one proves wrong- that they are all logic and lack heart. But she continues to sway from one direction to the next, while I cannot seem to remember how to move. Bagbys parents were forced to give Turner joint custody of Zachary. Kate [Andrews mother] went to kiss him, he cries, and the plug came out where hed been shot in the left cheek.. Dear Zachary Kuenne began collecting footage from his old home movies and interviewed Bagby's parents, David and Kathleen, for a documentary about his friend's life. A possessive and jealous Turner also confronted Bagby about his friendship with an ex-girlfriend. Dressing for Yourself and Not Others, With Confidence and Comfort, "Ways to Follow Clothing Trends in 2021., These Are Hands Down The Best Bars In Los Angeles, 1810 Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA, 8 Things Only Whitehall, PA Kids Know To Be True, From 3 To 89, Taylor Swift Has A Reputation For Referencing Ages In Her Lyrics, 16 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas, 13 Roleplay Plots You Haven't Thought Of Yet, 40 Kanye West Lyrics That Make The Best Instagram Captions, Road-trips In Arizona That You're Missing Out On. She informed Bagbyshe forgot to lock the doorand needed to return so she can lock it. The bill received unanimous support in the Canadian House of Commons, and received support from Liberal Senator Tommy Banks. You didn't study enough and you're pretty sure that last final dropped your grade at least 10 percent. Director Kurt Kuenne Writer Kurt Kuenne Stars Kurt Kuenne Andrew Bagby David Bagby See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video included with Prime More watch options Add to Watchlist Turner made the travel to visit Bagby seven times, whilehe came to see her only once. It was concluded thather eldest daughter and son were often left unattended for days on end, and -when Turner was home -she would strike them with a variety of objects, ranging from open hands to belts. https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Zachary-Letter-About-Father/dp/B00MB6F3QW [5] Perpetrator is not a cinematic marvel, and its frantic editing and heavy-handed imagery can be off-putting. Dear Zachary When Turner's long-time boyfriendwished to end their relationship, she allegedly began stalking him. The ex-boyfriend tookflight once again, this time to Pennsylvania. But after ordering and returning items multiple times due to feeling uncomfortable in them, I realized that this wasnt my style. Look no further! I also want to get the Early Bird Books newsletter featuring great deals on ebooks. Turner mixed a sedativeinto baby Zachary's formula and staged her car to look like her then-boyfriend was responsible for her next actions: she jumped into the Atlantic Ocean - at Conception Bay South off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada - with the baby strapped to her stomach. [21], In December 2019,[22] a digitally remastered "10th Anniversary Edition" of Dear Zachary was released on DVD and Blu-ray. I personally would not watch it again, though I'm grateful that the filmmaker stuck with the project through it all and did not give up, as many would have. It is about Kuenne's close friend Andrew Bagby, who was murdered after Bagby ended a relationship with a woman named Shirley Jane Turner. On August 18, 2003, Turner jumped into the Atlantic Ocean with thirteen-month-old Zachary strapped to her stomach, drowning them both in a murdersuicide. Exploring different styles is important, but finding clothes that you feel most comfortable and confident in is even more significant. Its been so long since I have felt big enough to take up and control my five foot seven figure. Although it's hard to watch, it's a must-see. The original cut of the documentary had a run time of over two hours and contains numerous other short scenes, most notably a segment in which Kuenne travels to England to interview Andrew's maternal relatives during a wedding. Dear Zachary During my time abroad, we were encouraged not to wear athletic clothing to fit in with the European culture. Narrative duties are split between Kuenne and Andrews many friends and his wonderful parents, David and Kate. And,with no evidence of tampering, it was highly likely Turner was the culprit. Dear Zachary is an unsettling and horrific true-crime film created by her murder victim's close friend Kurt Kuenne, which exposes the timeline of Turner's history of erratic behavior and the murders of father and son Andrew and Zachary Bagby. Dear Zachary You reward yourself for studying and consume so much pizza that it actually consumes you. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father Going beyond the tropes of a generic investigative documentary, Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Father to a Son About His Father is deeply personal and frustratingly tragic, and it doesnt have a happy ending. Before Turner's awareness of her actual pregnancy, she had fabricated one. WebAbout the Filmmaker. Within days of the ruling, however, Turner sent her daughter back to live with her father in Portland Creek while her other two children were sent to Parson's Pond to live with their paternal grandmother. Justice Gale Welshmaintained that "there is no indication of a psychological disorder that would give concern about potential harm to the public generally.". Andrew Bagby, a medical student, was murdered by his girlfriend Shirley Jane Turner soon after he ended their stormy relationship in 2001. [22] The Dr. Andrew Bagby and son Zachary Bursary Fund supports students at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Written and directed by Kurt Kuenne, MSNBC Films and Oscilloscope Laboratories released Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father on 31 October 2008. Setting aside other peoples opinions and dressing for you? So here it is: If theres one documentary you need to watch before you die, its Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about his Father. [2]:84, Upon becoming pregnant, Turner married a long-time boyfriend during Memorial University's 1981 winter recess. Your favorite beach reads and binge-worthy Netflix shows. a threat to society. Kurt Kuenne has made a documentary in a way that a film itself is made, with amazing editing patterns and with a story that really grabs you and moves you. In March 1996, Turner began a relationship with a St. John's resident, Miles Doucet, who was thirteen years her junior. Feb. 7, 2017. The child, a boy, was born on 9 July 1982. Bagbys parents were forced to give Turner joint custody of Zachary. But heres the plot. This is a response to "Ways to Follow Clothing Trends in 2021.. What is the French language plot outline for Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)? If you're looking for an extremely disturbing documentary film, you'll find it on these lists! Your work will be featured on our homepage and in our weekly Overheard on Odyssey newsletter. If you're looking for an extremely disturbing documentary film, you'll find it on these lists! [15] The website Film School Rejects place the film third in their list of the "30 Best Films of the Decade". Despite the evidence gathered, Turner had fled the country by the time authorities obtained a warrant for her arrest. My friend and I were planning on watching the latest episode of "Designated Survivor," however my parents threw a wrench in that when they kicked us out of the family room, where the episode was recorded. to every member of the Canadian Parliament to campaign for a bill to give more protection to children in custody disputes. Shouldnt those around us love us for us rather than the clothes we are wearing? The film was submitted to the Toronto International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival, but was rejected by both. Turner insisted that she would earn "big money" after completing her post-residency training and would repay the savings for her children's post-secondary education. The Dear Zachary Story, "After Canadian mother killed herself and their only grandchild, U.S. couple started 10-year fight to change Canada's bail laws", "I had the moral right to kill Shirley Turner", "Shirley Turner, son found dead | CBC News", "Turner psychiatrist ordered to pay $10,000", "Ask the filmmaker a question about 'Dear Zachary', No need for Zachary Turner to die: death review, "Top 5 Good Movies You Never Want To See Again", "Nearly 2 decades after the murder of a physician and his son a legacy of love survives", "Dear Zachary: Donations in Andrew's Memory", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murders_of_Andrew_Bagby_and_Zachary_Turner&oldid=1152317598. Dear Zachary Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father. Its not technically the most impressive documentary film, but the subject matter is powerful-enough that you cannot help but be deeply impacted by the story. Turner completed her undergraduate education while raising her children with help from her second husband. The lyrics seem to parade in one ear and out the other. However, I truly believe i is something that needs to be experience by everyone and it s something you cannot go into without an open mind. Shortly after she was arrested, she announced that she was pregnant with his child, whom she named Zachary. [17] On October 23, 2009, MP Scott Andrews of Avalon, moved after attending a screening of the film,[10] introduced Bill C-464 (also known as "Zachary's Bill") to the House of Commons of Canada. In 2001,Kurt Kuennes childhood friend Andrew Bagby was murdered by his estranged girlfriend, Shirley Turner. The fact that such a brief relationshipwasall it took to push her over the edgeisa testament to how surprising it was that a judge let her walk free with custody. Turner was arrested as a suspect, and, shortly thereafter, announced she was pregnant with Bagby's child, a boy she named Zachary. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is easily one of the most traumatic films I've ever seen. Bagbys childhood friend Kenneth Kuenne made the film as a way to document the memories of Andrews life. Even if it doesn't send you bawling like me, you will feel a whole range of emotions: sadness, anger, disgust, impatience, injustice, despair. By the summer of 2000, Turner had completed the requirements of her residency training and was qualified to practice medicine. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society2. Dressing for you and not for others is easier said than done. It would be insulting to Kuenne to go into this film with any preconceived notions, one simply has to experience it on their own. You show up to your 8 a.m. final with about three hours of sleep, no coffee and only half of the information you studied readily available in your mind. "Dear Zachary" (2008) is Kurt Kuenne's directoral debut, a homage to his murdered friend, addressed to said friend's child. Police concluded that she was attempting to frame the boyfriend for the planned murdersuicide. Tears fall from my face the same way petals fall from wilted flowers. After the murder, Turner, now accused of killing Andrew, announces she is four months pregnant with Andrews child. [23][24][25], Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father", "The Story of Kate, David and Andrew Bagby", "No need for Zachary Turner to die: death review", "Doctor fined for ethical violation in Turner case", "Family services manager resigns post, days after Turner review", "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)", "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father Reviews", "Variety Reviews - Dear Zachary A Letter to a Son About His Father - SXSW Reviews - Review by Peter Debruge", "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father [DVD]", Dear Zachary - Tenth Anniversary Re-release - Official Trailer - Oscilloscope Laboratories HD, "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father - 10th Anniversary Edition [DVD]", "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father - 10th Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray]", Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dear_Zachary:_A_Letter_to_a_Son_About_His_Father&oldid=1148183240, This page was last edited on 4 April 2023, at 15:33. Turner, meanwhile, is living as a free woman in Newfoundland. Dear Zachary From Zero to Hero: Write Your Short in 30 days, Heres How To Watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie Online Free: Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Streaming On Prime Video, HBO Max Or Netflix, Heres How To Watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie Online Free: Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Streaming On Prime Video, HBO Max Or Netflix, Heres How To Watch John Wick: Chapter 4 Online Free: Is John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Streaming On Peacock, HBO Max, Netflix Or At Home, Heres Where To Watch John Wick: Chapter 4 Free At Home Is John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Movie Streaming Online now. Turner left her car parked near his home in the Kelligrews area of the town, with photographs of herself and Zachary, as well as a used tampon, on the front seat. Two years later, she gave birth to a daughter. Turner, however, ended up making off with a large stash of Bagby's personal belongings. [2]:87 She also had an abortion that July, but the father was not known. The pair dated and were sexually intimate on two occasions afterward. While this fraught situation dragged on, Kuenne traveled to the United Kingdom and across the U.S. to interview Bagby's friends and extended family. Dear Zachary, which unfolds chronologically, has not one but two major twists. "[2]:454, Turner was returned to jail in November 2002 pending a decision by the federal justice minister regarding whether she should be extradited to the United States. "[17], David Bagby penned a book about the case, Dance with the Devil: A Memoir of Murder and Loss, which was published in 2007.[18]. In 1983, Turner moved to Labrador City and worked as a science teacher. decades after the murder of - Elliot V. Kotek, Moving Pictures Magazine Kate was devastated at how the process unfolded. There was just something off about her, one family friend explains. It is about Kuenne's close friend Andrew Bagby, who was murdered after Bagby ended a relationship with a woman named Shirley Jane Turner. With no signs of forced entry, Bagby never filed charges. In the early morning of 5 November 2001, she confronted Bagby at his residence, located across the street from his practice. The man contacted the RNC on three occasions to complain about Turner's harassment, which both violated the terms of her bail and was considered grounds to lose custody of Zachary. On 3 November 2001, Turner confessed that she had been lying about her pregnancy in an effort to remain with Bagby permanently. But Ive found that these are the clothes that I feel most confident and like myself in. Three years later, Turner and her second husband divorced, and she was granted custody of their daughter. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a 2008 American documentary film written, produced, directed, edited, and scored by Kurt Kuenne. What could have beena dry analysis ofa broken justice system is instead a deeply touching commentary on love and friendship. The organizations that named it one of the best films of 2008 included: Time Out Chicago, The Oregonian, the Times Herald-Record, Slant Magazine, and WGN Radio Chicago. Such was introduced on March 23rd, 2010, and Zacharys Bill was signed into law two years after the release of Kuennes documentary. The bullets found in Bagby were also a match for the ones in Turners gun. Before police could apprehend her, Turner moved back to St. Johns, Newfoundland, and her arrest was impeded by a complicated extradition process. Would sell my soul for a drink at Residuals right now, Location: 8472 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069, Location: 916 S San Fernando Blvd. Shortly after she was arrested, she announced that she was pregnant with his child, whom she named Zachary. He also reported Turner to a psychiatrist at the university she was attending at the time. Lists about some of the most shocking and upsetting documentary films & series that you should totally watch anyway. The lot number on a box of condoms found in Turner's Council Bluffs apartment matched a box purchased by Bagby in Latrobe on the night of the break-up. Turner's husband raised the child as a stay-at-home dad while Turner continued her studies. Kuenne finished his documentary and dedicated it to the memories of both Bagby and Zachary. On several occasions, it was noted that Zachary had poor attachment to his mother and preferred the company of other adults, particularly his grandparents. However, in the summer of 2000, Turner confessed to a relative that she had spent the baby bonuses on her own living expenses and doctoral education. Those two exams just stripped you of your pride. Were introduced to Andrew through a series of home videos, from Kurt and Andrew screwing around with a camera to Andrew delivering a speechat Kurts wedding. Markesteyn specifically cited poor communication between social services officials, who worked on the presumption of Turner's innocence throughout the case and became more concerned for her welfare than for Zachary's. Magnolia Pictures. In the interim, one of Andrew Bagbys closest childhood friends, filmmaker Kurt Kuenne had begun making a documentary about the young doctor, titled Dear Zachary, an effort to tell the toddler about the father he never met. Although it's hard to watch, it's a What's doubly upsetting about this is the way director KurtKuenne sets their story to home movies of Andrew as a young boy. She could be charming[,] friendly and lively but when caught in an untruth she would become angry, accusatory and loud. Were currently seeking writers to join our summer writing program. In 2009, after watching the film Canadian MP Scott Andrews introduced Bill C-464 (also known as "Zachary's Bill") to the Parliament of Canada. I wish I could discuss more about the plot line, but that would be sacrificing your open mind. In short, when it comes to the genre, I know whats up. In October 1993, a man boarding with Turner confided to his therapist that he had witnessed Turner physically and emotionally abusing two of her children. In October 2001, Turner obtained a permit to buy a firearm and purchased a Phoenix Arms HP22 handgun and .22 ammunition, which she used during firearms lessons. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Dear Zachary has an approval rating of 94% based on 51 reviews, with an average score of 8.10/10; the site's critical consensus reads: "Dear Zachary is both a touching tribute to a fallen friend and a heart-wrenching account of justice gone astray, skillfully put to film with no emotion spared. "Dear Zachary" (2008) is Kurt Kuenne's directoral debut, a homage to his murdered friend, addressed to said friend's child. I wish I could discuss more about the plot line, but that would be sacrificing your open mind. Turner later drove home and left a message on Bagby's answering machine. Furious about this, Bagby drove Turner to the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport and broke up with her over lunch, sending her on a plane back to Iowa. His intention was just to explore Bagbys life and interview those who knew him. How do you pass that up? During their relationship, Turner was abusive towards Bagby, often calling him to verbally harass him. In the interim, one of Andrew Bagbys closest childhood friends, filmmaker Kurt Kuenne had begun making a documentary about the young doctor, titled Dear Zachary, an effort to tell the toddler about the father he never met. Newfoundland social service workers interviewed the children, who stated that their "disciplinarian" mother punished them with spankings and beatings by belt. If you're unfamiliar with Dear Zachary, it tells the story of Andrew Bagby, a 28-year-old doctor whose life was ended by his ex-loverShirleyJane Turner. [16], As part of a campaign to change federal bail laws, Kuenne sent a copy of Dear Zachary to each of the over 400 members of Canada's Parliament. It chronicles the completion and release of Dear Zachary and the subsequent efforts to amend Canadian law. [21], The Chicago Film Critics Association nominated Dear Zachary for its Best Documentary award, and the Society of Professional Journalists presented the film with its Sigma Delta Chi Award for Best Documentary. The film, released in 2008 entitled Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, had been intended as a tribute to Andrew Bagby that Zachary could appreciate when he got older. Kurt Kuenne and Andrew Bagby grew up as close friends in the suburbs of San Jose, California. He was ordered to pay a fine of $10,000covering one-third of the $30,000 incurred by the college for the inquiryand was ordered to undergo psychiatric counseling. [19] The website Film School Rejects placed the film third in their "30 Best Films of the Decade" list. On 4 July 2003, Turner met a young man at a bar in St. John's. [20], On April 4, 2013, Kuenne released a short documentary titled The Legacy of Dear Zachary: A Journey to Change the Law on YouTube. When the child washed ashore, the man who found them wrapped Zachary in a blanket, forgoing the usual plastic bag, to keep him as far as possible from the unstable, albeit deceased, woman who took his life. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father. Turner was rushed to a hospital, where she received a gastric lavage. They uncover everything about him that I promised myself I would forget. But heres the plot. She even meant to implicate her brief lover by planting aused tampon and photos of herself and her child across his lawn in Connection Bay South before she didit. Acting on statements by Simpson and others, the Pennsylvania State Police contacted Turner.