Until Proven Innocent Poster

Until Proven Innocent 2009

87 min📅 2009-02-08

Until Proven Innocent (2009) dives into one of New Zealand's most infamous miscarriages of justice, a gripping true-crime case that unravels over two grueling trials and years behind bars.

Director: Peter Burger

Cast

Peter Elliott
Peter Elliott
Murray Gibson
Cohen Holloway
Cohen Holloway
David Dougherty
Jodie Rimmer
Jodie Rimmer
Donna Chisholm
Miranda Harcourt
Miranda Harcourt
Dr Patricia Sullivan
Tim Spite
Ari Geursen
Adele Chapman
Adele Chapman
Clerk of Court Second Trial
Vanessa Stacey
Vanessa Stacey
Forewoman Second Trial

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Until Proven Innocent (2009) about?

The film chronicles the wrongful conviction and eventual exoneration of David Dougherty, who was imprisoned for years for a crime he didn't commit. It highlights the tireless efforts of three key figures—an investigative journalist, a dedicated lawyer, and a forensic scientist—to overturn an unjust verdict and restore Dougherty's freedom.

Who directed Until Proven Innocent?

Peter Burger directed Until Proven Innocent (2009), bringing a nuanced, human-centered approach to this gripping true-crime story.

Who stars in Until Proven Innocent?

The film features Peter Elliott, Cohen Holloway, Jodie Rimmer, Miranda Harcourt, and Tim Spite in key roles that bring the story to life.

Is Until Proven Innocent (2009) worth watching?

If you enjoy true-crime dramas that focus on justice and redemption, Until Proven Innocent (2009) is absolutely worth watching. Its blend of suspense, real-life stakes, and moral depth makes it a standout in the genre, even without a formal rating.

How long is Until Proven Innocent?

Until Proven Innocent (2009) has a runtime of 87 minutes.

About Until Proven Innocent (2009) — A True-Crime Drama of Justice Denied and Reclaimed

Until Proven Innocent (2009) dives into one of New Zealand's most infamous miscarriages of justice, a gripping true-crime case that unravels over two grueling trials and years behind bars. Directed by Peter Burger, this crime documentary-drama follows the harrowing ordeal of David Dougherty, wrongfully convicted in 1993 for the abduction and rape of his young neighbor. The film doesn't just recount the legal battles—it immerses viewers in the relentless fight for justice led by a journalist, a lawyer, and a scientist determined to expose the truth. With an atmosphere thick with tension and moral complexity, the story explores themes of systemic failure, perseverance, and the fragile line between guilt and innocence.

Peter Burger crafts a narrative that blends raw emotional stakes with meticulous forensic detail, making Until Proven Innocent (2009) a compelling watch for fans of true-crime dramas and legal thrillers alike. The film's strength lies in its humanized approach, focusing less on sensationalism and more on the real people whose lives were upended by a flawed judicial process.