Chowchilla

2023

1 hr. 39 min.

Documentary

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Reviews

74%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

Featuring exclusive interviews with the survivors, director Paul Solet goes behind the headlines to reveal for the first time the complete saga of the infamous school bus abduction.

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Tyler G

Typical documentary in the streaming age. Too long. Maybe the story isn't interesting to be more than 30 mins of documentary or the way they tell it makes it boring

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/12/24

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J M

I'm surprised that the strange events of Chowchilla aren't more widely known and talked about, especially in this age of true crime obsession. The brief disappearance of a school bus full of children and its driver in this small California town has to be one of the most unusual occurrences I've ever heard about - stuff like this can't be invented. The sheer oddity of this story automatically makes it worth watching, and it can't help but be compelling, but the documentary itself isn't entirely successful. Whether by choice or necessity, we aren't provided with enough interviews by those who were directly involved, and we aren't provided enough backstory into the lives of the gentlemen behind the disappearance. Certain aspects of what happened are brought up and briefly discussed but not fully realized. I think particularly of a small controversy about the true "hero" behind their eventual escape. I realize there aren't always a lot of answers in bizarre circumstances such as these, but I think some deeper investigation and introspection could have made this more of a satisfying watch. I certainly think it should be seen, particularly by those unfamiliar with the crime, but it's not a wholly satisfying viewing experience. - Jeff Marshall, Movie Blogger (Facebook)

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/24

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Michael W

This crime documentary was really good. The entire crew did a fantastic job on telling this heinous crime story involving children. It really goes into detail what happened and why the kidnappers did this to these innocent children. These children didn't deserve this and should never have been victims in the first place. If you haven't seen this documentary yet, check it out sometime. It's a must see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/04/24

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Kathryn J

Absolutely terrific. A great reminder of how, even as recently as 1976, little was understood about the aftermath of childhood trauma. Amazing true story with in-depth interviews of survivors. Very well done documentary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/24

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Kurt T

The film was beautifully crafted with great narration, suspense, and superb interweaving of newsreel footage and personal recollections. The presentation of the human dimension of the incident makes it a wonderful example of documentary filmmaking. We were spellbound!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/24

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Reza M

"Chowchilla" is a remarkable documentary that sheds light on a deeply impactful and often overlooked subject matter. With his insightful direction, Paul Solet brings to life a story that is both compelling and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers. The documentary delves into the lives of its subjects with great sensitivity and compassion. Solet's ability to capture raw and honest moments on screen is truly commendable, as he navigates the complexities of the human experience with grace and respect. Through his lens, we are given a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have faced unimaginable challenges, and yet, their resilience shines through. What sets "Chowchilla" apart is Solet's commitment to authenticity. He allows the story to unfold naturally, giving voice to those who have often been silenced. The documentary not only sheds light on the struggles faced by its subjects but also highlights their triumphs and the strength they find within themselves. Solet's direction is masterful in its ability to evoke a range of emotions. From moments of heartbreak to instances of hope and inspiration, the documentary takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, leaving them with a profound sense of empathy and understanding. Bravo 👏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/17/24

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Paul Solet

Director

Ellie Mae Louise Smith

Actor

Glen Zipper

Producer

Sean M. Stuart

Producer

Amy Entelis

Executive Producer

Alexandra Hannibal

Executive Producer

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Chowchilla: Trailer 1

1:16

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Chris Vognar

Dallas Morning News

It remains potent, especially as rendered with this level of empathy and depth.

Dec 4, 2023

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Jennifer Green

Common Sense Media

The film is educational, insightful, and emotional, and it doesn't lose sight of the need to maintain its small-screen audience's attention.

Feb 6, 2024

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Synopsis

Featuring exclusive interviews with the survivors, director Paul Solet goes behind the headlines to reveal for the first time the complete saga of the infamous school bus abduction.

Director: Paul Solet
Executive Producer: Amy Entelis, Alexandra Hannibal
Distributor: CNN Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 11, 2024

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