It is difficult to speak of this movie in a positive light and in a convincing manner without giving too much of it away (I can see why they had such a hard time marketing this). But trust me when I say that if you like documentaries this one is definitely worth the leap of faith. Admittedly I put this one off for too long not really knowing what to expect, but am glad that I finally made time to watch it. Probably one of the most depressing, heart-wrenching documentaries I've ever seen and yet the story is told in such an engaging way that the audience cannot seem turn away - though you'll want to more than once.
Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne is compelled to create a memorial of a childhood friend after his senseless murder by capturing his true spirit through interviews with family and friends. Pieced together with those interviews, home videos and old footage from when the friends made movies together as kids, the film creates a portrait of a young man with so much potential, a man with a self-deprecating wit and a man who was loved by many. Those involved seem to use the movie as a way to come to terms with his untimely death by remembering the good times as well as venting their anger and pain. But it quickly becomes much more than just a bunch of talking heads as Kuenne also digs into the circumstances around his friend's murder including the flawed legal process that surrounds it and the way it has forever changed those in his life.
Without saying any more I will tell you that this is a movie that stays with you. It is filled with twists and turns, moments that will make you laugh and moments that will crush your soul a little bit (not much of an endorsement, I realize). Feel free to look up the story if you want to know what you're getting yourself into, but I would recommend going into it as naive as I did to really get the most out of this very well made documentary. Somber yes, but also masterfully engaging.
My Score: 8/10
IMDB Score: 8.6/10
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