dream/killer

Dream/Killer is a gripping documentary film released in 2015 that explores a shocking true-life crime and a father's relentless pursuit of justice. The feature-length documentary is a real-life thriller that uncovers a disturbing question about the limits of the American criminal justice system and its flaws in delivering justice, while it also tests the rationale and limits of familial love and perseverance.

The sharply cut documentary follows the life of the Ferguson family, particularly Bill Ferguson and his son, Ryan Ferguson. While it is a family story at its heart, it is far from the traditional type. Instead, the film is defined by its exploration of the legal rollercoaster that the Fergusons tragically have to ride after Ryan is convicted for a heinous crime he did not commit.

The crime itself is a brutal one - the gruesome murder of a prominent 48-year-old sports editor in Columbia, Missouri. This unsolved case was left untouched for two years until Chuck Erickson, portrayed by Kevin Crane, has a dream which he believes provides him with memories of committing the crime. He confesses, implicating Ryan Ferguson, his high school friend, as his accomplice.

Ryan vehemently denies the accusations, maintaining his innocence which is unfortunately met with disbelief. His insistence does nothing to halt the courtroom proceedings, and shocking evidence is presented in an attempt to sway the jury's decision. Amidst this, viewers are introduced to the legal machinery and its questionable validity. The case seems to be an upsetting illustration of mishandled justice, painting a disturbing picture of how sometimes the desire to solve a crime can overshadow the necessity for truth.

The audience is consequently drawn into the labyrinth of the American legal system, discovering along with the Fergusons the immense flaws and obstacles present within it. What then unravels is not merely a case, but rather a system that perhaps values resolutions over justice.

Bill Ferguson, Ryan's father takes center stage, showcasing the plight of a parent who fervently believes in their child's innocence. His stirring efforts to clear his son's name display poignant depths of paternal love and resilience. The tenacity of this ordinary man, who undertakes the extraordinary mission to prove his son's innocence, adds a potent human touch to the legal intricacies that the film goes on to unravel.

Bill’s journey is marked by dizzying progressions, unexpected setbacks, and numerous cliff hangers. We follow the highs and lows with him, from moments of confidence to bouts of desolation, taking a front row seat to a parent's worst nightmare.

While the central narrative follows Bill Ferguson's relentless pursuits, it’s noteworthy to mention the impactful performance of Kevin Crane, who portrays Chuck Erickson. His portrayal is especially striking, creating a multi-faceted character that contributes substantially to the suspense and tension within the film. Crane elevates this character beyond just an implicated confessor to a compelling, multi-dimensional individual who mirrors and counters Bill's resolve.

Directed by Andrew Jenks, dream/killer is not just a documentary but a chilling narrative that raises questions about the American judicial system’s abilities and priorities. It manages to weave together diverse elements—the courtroom drama, a father's pursuit for justice, and a gritty look into American judicial system—into an engaging narrative that keeps you on tenterhooks from the word go.

Dream/Killer is thus a film that leaves a lingering impression long after the end credits roll, inviting the audience to ponder the power of truth, the importance of perseverance and the elements of the human spirit. There's an emotional gravity here that elevates the film beyond a typical true-crime story, making it a real-life thriller that stirs both the heart and the mind, proving to be an alarming revelation of the faults in our justice system. Through its compelling narrative and stark reality, dream/killer is a must-watch for not just crime aficionados but for anyone vested in the pursuit of truth and justice.