Into the Fire: La fille perdue

This gripping story has so many tragic twists and turns. It shows what can be achieved through sheer persistence and sharp intuition. Cathy is a mother on a mission to seek the truth and justice for her daughter. She is relentless, sharply intuitive and won't stop at any cost to get it. There are so many interesting themes this documentary explores; including loyalty, sacrifice and the strength of blood connection.

This story is so well told and captivating from the very beginning. I became so emotionally invested in Cathy's pursuit for justice and my heart goes out to her and the families of all victims. Must watch.

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.

After having to give up her daughter for adoption at a young age, Cathy receives a letter years later from The Adoption Agency, stating that Alexis, now Aundria is missing, Cathy makes it her mission to find out what happened.

This is one of the best documentaries I've seen for a while. First off, it is an incredibly shocking story, almost unimaginable, it's full of unbelievable twists and revelations.

I think I was most shocked by Dennis's interviews, absolutely unbelievable, what an absolute monster, he didn't accept any responsibility, nor show any signs of remorse.

Even though it's fairly long, at no point does it feel overly long or padded, the second episode in particular will just have you on tenterhooks.

Cathy must have gone so much, and she must have so many gaps, hopefully Aundria's friends can fill in the blanks for her.

I'm not sure if I'm more sickened by Dennis or Brenda, him for doing what he did, or her for sticking by him, what sort of person could?

The one question I am left with, just how many other victims of Dennis Bowman.

9/10.

This is how all documentaries should be. It's a story that appears to be more fiction than fact and at times I was literally gobsmacked at the revelations and the dedication of this mother to find out what happened to her daughter after she gave her up for asoption at the age of 9 months so she could give her better opportunities with the encouragement of her own mother. Cathy., the mother, is only 16 and the pressure applied was immense.

The twists and turns of the story starts when Cathy receives a letter from an Adoption Agency, outlining that her daughter went missing years and years before and requesting a DNA sample..

From then on Cathy goes on a relentless mission to find her daughter. Her courage and stamina is amazing.

At no point does this doc falter or swerve its focus. The uncovering of all that happened is complete dog work and my only curiosity lay in where Cathy's financial resources lay as she had to pay many of the investigators who did not come cheaply.

I won't lay down any spoilers as even the slightest one would reveal too much.

Suffice to say and with relentless police work on a "dead file" the shocking truth is revealed and justice, though far too late, prevails.

Gripping and well paced.

Hat tip to Neflix.

9/10

.

A beautiful examination of a mom's pursuit to unearth the truth. Meticulous research. Beautifully displayed. This story stays with you. The only criticism would be it is such a captivating story I sense that with a little less Netflix paint by numbers storytelling and a little more artistry - this could've been 2020s The Thin Blue Line. Not being dismissive but the "walk into the fire" theme felt like a 13 year old trying to wrap a lame poem around a very serious and heart wrenching story. All said, I've been sat here thinking about the events, the characters, and the failure of the state to protect this poor little girl... it's a harrowing entry into true crime.