The highly acclaimed journalists Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet will be releasing their highly rated documentary “Nature of the Crime” where they explore the intricacies of the US parole system by shedding light on the lives of three ex inmates, Todd Scott, Chad Campbell, and Carlos Rebollo. Losing the freedom of life for decades due to illegal activities they committed when they were young, these journalists have truly done commendable work by exposing the layers of hurdles and psychological trauma people face when getting back to a society that shunned them.
Cast and Their Stories:
- Todd Scott: At 19, Scott was involved in the 1988 murder of NYPD Officer Edward Byrne. After serving over 30 years, he reflects on his past actions and transformation during incarceration. Above the Law
- Chad Campbell: Convicted at 14 for a double homicide, Campbell has spent more than three decades in prison. He seeks to demonstrate his rehabilitation and remorse to the parole board. Above the Law
- Carlos Rebollo: Convicted of arson and attempted murder at 15, Rebollo was sentenced to 45 years. The film follows his journey through the parole process after a lengthy prison term. AM New York
Synopsis:
Documentary gives insight into the harsh U.S.’s parole system like never showcased before. The New York procedure seemed dark meaning opaque and politically influenced whereas Connecticut’s approach was more reformed and straightforward. Using close-up legal interviews and memoirs, the film tackles the issues of crime, justice, rehabilitation and change in the society and petitions for the audience to rethink of their set ideas on crime and punishment.
Critical Reception:
The New York Times said of the film, “This is a case for change and questioning that offers profound insight: A question such as this one challenges the status quo: Is revenge the only guiding star for the system of justice or, for example, redemption?” For reevaluation of absolute views on crime and punishment, audiences consider the novel’s arguments and well-crafted plot to be rather persuasive in its approach and the title of the Crime ‘Nature of the Crime’ to be comic in its construction.
Where to Watch:
The documentary premiered on December 10, 2024, and is available for streaming on Max.
