A story of two men trying to come to terms with heinous crimes they committed over 35 years ago, NATURE OF THE CRIME takes an unprecedented look at one of the most overlooked aspects of the US justice system - the parole process.

 

Parole was created as a form of early release from prison to reward incarcerated people who demonstrate remorse and rehabilitation.  But today, parole has become another part of the mass incarceration system that repunishes actions and does not account for transformation.  

 

In 1988 Todd Scott was involved in a gang hit on a NYPD officer. In 1990 14-year-old Chad Campbell committed a gruesome murder in upstate New York. Both served their 25-life sentences and have been going in front of the parole board ever since attempting to gain their freedom. Filmed over the past four years, NATURE OF THE CRIME follows them as they go before the 2-3 parole commissioners responsible for deciding their fate.

 

As the men prepare for telling the board about their crimes and wrestle with the pain they have caused – the film explores philosophical questions around crime and punishment: How do you pay your debt for a violent crime? What does it mean to deserve a second chance? How does someone demonstrate remorse? 

 

Filming with a small team in tight prison settings, the film is an intimate portrayal of Todd and Chad’s conflicted perspective as they struggle to come to terms with the severity of their crimes as they fight for their release. For the crucial parole hearings happening behind closed doors -- transcripts, visuals, and audio treatments are used to illustrate their fight for a second chance. Through these men’s complicated journeys, the film ultimately questions the underlying goal of incarceration and how society might seek justice in a humane way.

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"Another home run from HBO." - UNSEEN FILMS

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"A gripping documentary that can pull on emotions very tight." - DGI.MEDIA.NYC

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