Dream/Killer 

Initially released May 4, 2015

Now available on various streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime

Directed by Andrew Jenks

Starring Bill Ferguson, Leslie Ferguson, Ryan Ferguson

Another informative, compelling documentary about wrongful conviction and the difficulty of achieving a reversal, even when the evidence is clear.

The Story: In 2005,  Ryan Ferguson, 20, is arrested in Columbia, Missouri, for murder, and sentenced to 40 years in prison. But his defense was bungled at best, and the prosecution was handled with malfeasance on the part of the DA. So, the young man goes to prison to languish there. But his father decides to get to work to find evidence to exonerate him.

In this 2-hour film, Canadian director Andrew Jenks dissects Ryan’s case, showing the corruptive nature of power and brutally slow machinations of the US justice system.

What I Liked 

* It’s a good watch, because the true-life story works as a classic drama with Ryan as the victim, the DA as the antagonist, and Ryan’s father as the protagonist/hero.

* It has a happy ending.

* Behind bars, Ryan provides a candid and intimate look at his life, with animation used to recreate his 10-year ordeal.

* The filmmaker capably orchestrates suspense (if you don’t already know the outcome), and benefits immeasurably from an immensely likable central character, Ryan’s father, who narrates his own decade-long battle to win his son’s release.

What I Didn’t Like 

Actually, nothing.

Critical Reception 

* “Tonally, the film is a mess, unable to decide if it’s a damning downer or… the inspiring story of conquering injustice.” (Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times)

* “Though the timeline and a few details could use further clarification, Dream/Killer remains fast-paced and frightening.” (Ken Jaworowski, New York Times)

* “The fact that viewers, like the Fergusons, can muster only bittersweet relief at Ryan’s release from prison is the film’s whole point: The legal system itself is so damningly captured.” (Ernest Hardy, Village Voice)

You can watch the trailer here.