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Baby Doe

Play trailer Baby Doe 2025 1h 39m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Thirty years ago, Gail Ritchey, a young woman from a conservative Christian community in rural Ohio, gave birth alone and left her newborn in the woods. Now a devoted mother of three, her quiet suburban life is shattered when DNA evidence links her to the infamous cold case of “Geauga’s Child,” leading to her arrest for murder. Authorities dismiss her claim that the baby was stillborn, and the media swiftly vilifies her. Facing a possible life sentence, Gail turns to her husband, Mark, and their adult children, who struggle to reconcile the woman they love with the accusations against her. With her attorney, Steven, she must confront the weight of societal and religious pressures—and her own long-buried shame -- to fight for her freedom. BABY DOE cuts through the headlines to uncover the human complexity of Gail’s case. With a compassionate yet unflinching lens, the film examines the intersection of women’s health, justice, and the societal forces that continue to shape stories like hers.

Critics Reviews

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Stephen Saito Variety Mar 17
Although Ritchey can’t articulate her own experience, Earnshaw is nonetheless able to illustrate what could have led her to such an unthinkable decision. Go to Full Review Jessi Cape Austin Chronicle Mar 8
Earnshaw’s direction balances raw emotion with careful storytelling. Go to Full Review Caryn James The Hollywood Reporter Mar 8
Earnshaw’s tone is never polemical, but Baby Doe is definitely a work of advocacy, and her strategy of letting Ritchey and the people who judge her speak for themselves is largely effective. Go to Full Review Alan Zilberman Washington City Paper Jun 23
A lighter touch might have unearthed terrible consequences about everything from America’s reproductive laws to abstinence education; instead Baby Doe tugs at your emotions while ignoring your ability to think critically Go to Full Review Louisa Moore Screen Zealots Apr 22
A fascinating but tough-to-watch true crime documentary that digs into a really complicated case, as well as larger issues like women’s rights, religion, and our legal system. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Jessica Earnshaw

Director

Jessica Earnshaw

Producer

Holly Meehl

Producer
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Baby Doe

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Movie Info

Synopsis Thirty years ago, Gail Ritchey, a young woman from a conservative Christian community in rural Ohio, gave birth alone and left her newborn in the woods. Now a devoted mother of three, her quiet suburban life is shattered when DNA evidence links her to the infamous cold case of “Geauga’s Child,” leading to her arrest for murder. Authorities dismiss her claim that the baby was stillborn, and the media swiftly vilifies her. Facing a possible life sentence, Gail turns to her husband, Mark, and their adult children, who struggle to reconcile the woman they love with the accusations against her. With her attorney, Steven, she must confront the weight of societal and religious pressures—and her own long-buried shame -- to fight for her freedom. BABY DOE cuts through the headlines to uncover the human complexity of Gail’s case. With a compassionate yet unflinching lens, the film examines the intersection of women’s health, justice, and the societal forces that continue to shape stories like hers.
Director
Jessica Earnshaw
Producer
Jessica Earnshaw, Holly Meehl
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 39m