Burden of Proof

This beautifully presented documentary is at once a profound family drama and a haunting mystery. Its themes range from coming of age feminine angst over first love lost to a dogged pursuit of elusive justice for a younger sister whose fierce light never dims for the older brother investigating her disappearance in the course of decades. Away at college when she simply vanishes from her bedroom one night, aged 15, he turns over every stone he can, sacrifices a relationship with his mother, and turns middle aged while believing that both his parents conspired to cover up their part in her loss. His own "side investigation" and the case authorities re-open at his urging unfold and show various facets, growing ever more complex, while his personal perspective slowly but surely begins to shift. So we, the audience, also grow in knowlege--and ultimately--in some measure, in wisdom. Pacing is wonderful, allowing for reflection, which continues after the credits have rolled.

Put simply, and without a doubt: it's remarkable.

I don't watch much true crime, and yet I'm not sure that label really fits here. "Burden" is deeply humane, entirely un-sensational, and far more artful than anything I know of in that genre.

It's a special and gripping work, with a haunting though subtly conveyed reminder of the pervasiveness and elusive justice around partner violence.

And in terms of filmmaking craft, it's an impressive display of both endurance (the project stretches over nearly 8 years) and skill (cinematography is deft and compelling throughout).

It's worth your time. And you'll be thinking about it.

I would give this a 6.5 if I could. Burden of Proof avoids most of the pitfalls of the genre, with the exception of padding. It could've been a tight three episodes just by cutting repetitive and meandering content. Which might have helped nudge Jennifer Pandos, the missing 15-year-old whose brother relentlessly pursues justice here, more squarely into the center of things.

From the start, the Pandos parents hurt themselves in the investigation. Until Stephen has to suspect their involvement, becoming estranged from them after hiring investigators and experts in an attempt to tell Jennifer's story.

Increasingly, though, the focus is on Stephen's agonizing over his sister's fate, setbacks in the case and his mother's honesty. I question whether the documentary team had free rein...or if they were beholden to Stephen Pandos for funding.

To wit, one question I waited for: In an abusive home, with a violent, controlling father who isn't getting along with his increasingly troubled teenage daughter, was there also sexual abuse?

It would explain Jennifer's emotional issues and her parents' unfathomable choices and behavior during the investigation. For an outspoken kid, I noticed none of her friends knew exactly what was going on in the house where she felt unsafe.

Without spoilers, I think the issue of the note is far from settled and the final testimony we hear raises as many questions as answers. Possibly more.

It is definitely an interesting and sad story but the interviews with the father, Ron, and his watered down Walmart-level 3rd wife are so unnecessary. Who need to hear from that couple? He's a felon and still acts arrogant although a christian? He's as trash as they come. That 3rd wife has absolutely no reason to talk about this issue at all. She should have been wiped from any footage. The other interviewees contributed more to this series and were much more interesting to watch. All the father contributed was his little man syndrome machismo.

The brother spending his life looking for his sister is just heartbreaking and his parents are the epitome of deplorable human beings.

Fascinating immersion into a troubled family and the disappearance of their youngest member. Small details are pitch perfect, extremely well done.

It's difficult to write a fulsome review without spoilers. I highly recommend it - it has a Mare of Easttown feel, but it really happened.

Stephen Pandos, no matter the failings of his parents, is such a decent, strong man. His dad gave me the full-on heebs. He seems to be always banking down a dark, unsettling menace while trying to appear as a righteous straight shooter.

But Stephen's mother has, obviously, done something right because her son is quietly remarkable.

Gotta say too, the private investigator seemed a waste of money. The filmmakers appear to be the real sleuths who moved this case along.

Also, Wendi Reed, an investigating officer, is straight out of the Fargo series.

The mother though, she will drive you nuts...her actions, comments never help her, why? You'll be mentally Rubik's-cubing this for a long time afterward. Highly recommend.