Into the Fire: La fille perdue

Stumbling upon this was enthralling. I had never heard of this story before, and I'm a true crime enthusiast. So I sat down and watched without looking the story up (what I would usually do) and was so disturbed by how warped and demented reality can be over any fiction you could come up with. You really at times don't want to accept the depravity and sheer evil that could be right next to any of us in any community. The fact that our system of adoption in this country and the vetting that goes into finally getting an approval along side the fact that the people who were responsible for the wellbeing of this child, from literal cradle to her grave failed her is beyond comprehension. This true crime piece is an uncomfortable yet excellently executed documentary and will probably live in my head for a while. Sadly...

After having to give up her daughter for adoption at a young age, Cathy receives a letter years later from the Adoption Agency, revealing that her daughter, now named Aundria, is missing. Cathy sets out on a mission to uncover the truth behind what happened.

This is one of the most gripping documentaries I've watched in a long time. First and foremost, it's an incredibly shocking story-almost unimaginable-filled with jaw-dropping twists and revelations.

What stood out to me the most were Dennis's interviews. They were absolutely chilling. This man is a monster-he shows no remorse, refuses to take responsibility for his actions, and his cold demeanor is beyond disturbing.

Despite its fairly long runtime, the documentary never feels drawn out or unnecessarily padded. The second episode, in particular, will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.

Cathy must have gone through so much, and the gaps in her understanding of what happened must be devastating. I can only hope that Aundria's friends can help fill in the blanks for her.

I'm left wondering whether I'm more sickened by Dennis or Brenda-him for his horrific actions, or her for sticking by him. What kind of person could stand by such a monster?

The one lingering question I'm left with is: How many other victims might there be of Dennis Bowman?

9/10.

Wow. I mean, what else can you say really? What a story, brilliantly told. Catherine is a beautiful soul - the word inspiration doesn't do her justice.

I can't believe I'd never even heard about this before - I'll always give a new Netflix true crime doc a watch, but they're of such wildly varying quality it almost borders on the guilty pleasure. This one was different, and all the more impressive for it.

Gripping like a thriller, paced like a mystery - packs a punch like a tear-jerker. It's the best one they've turned out over under the red N for a long time - and maybe the best singular true crime documentary since The Jinx.

Good True Crime doc from Netflix, which unfortunately is far too rare and long in between something interesting and well produced.

Some creators would milk this story, and make it a drawn-out mess over 5 episodes, but this had a good, fast pace.

The information and how the story is built, keeps the viewer glued, and entertained, without too many repititions.

Next to nothing of mundane or irrevelant information also, or revelations that serves nothing of interest to the doc or story. Bravo!

However, my intentions were not to write a review, but an appeeciaton post. I just wanted to voice my greatfulness towards people like Carl Koppelman, whom I learned of watching this doc.

I really have the deepest respect for people dedicating their time, competency, emotions, grit and thoroughness towards helping others.

In his case also entirely non-profit, (even though he should allow donations, cause he really deserves so much for how many he have helped) which makes him so honorable in my book.

His only goal is to help, and solve, as many cases as he possibly can. Makes me really inspired, I am so happy coexisting with people this kind and dedicated to helping others.

Deserves a medal.

For those who lost a close family member under unacceptable circumstances this piece is extremely painful to watch. It's incredible how this predator has managed to survive all these years. DNA evidence was really a game changer for many cold cases but it's still hard to believe that no one ever suspected him. Kudos to Cathy for her strength and determination!!

And the wife... oh my goodness that woman is the textbook example of being delusional. You do not have to be the smartest but still have some kind of common sense, but this "lady" lacks almost all instincts and feelings a mother should have. I only can guess how healthy their biological child can be having these parents.