Crime After Crime
tells the story of Deborah Peagler, a woman who in 1983 was imprisoned for her
active part in her abusive boyfriend's murder. When she received her sentence of 25 years-to-life in prison,
it looked like everything was over for her. Years later, the State of California issued a new law allowing
imprisoned women, who experienced domestic violence, to reopen their cases. Enter two hotshot, young lawyers who mistakenly
believe they can turn things around quickly. Unfortunately, corruption runs
deeper than they expected in the Los Angeles District Attorney's office.
Crime After Crime plays like a courtroom
drama, with unexpected twists and turns flying around every corner. Audible gasps and cheers were heard in
the screening I attended, and it's a testament to how easy it is to get caught
up in this documentary. The
characters are so interesting, the protagonists so revolting, the drama so
intense that it really feels like fiction. Potash does a great job of getting the audience emotionally
involved. Peagler is a charmer and it's easy to root for her and even easier to
be upset when things don't go her way.
You'll be both excited for and frustrated with her.
Not
since Dear Zachary and Exit Through the
Gift Shop have I been so caught up in the narrative of a documentary. It's easily one of the best
documentaries of the Sundance circuit and worth seeking out. Just don't be surprised if you're
wiping away tears by the end of it all.
