Summer Hill Films and BayView Examine the Plight of Wrongfully Accused in New Film Drama, 'Plea'

POMPTON PLAINS, N.J. - March 26, 2025 - PRLog -- Plea tells the story of a man wrongfully convicted of the assault and murder of his best friend's wife. Released after 20 years in prison, he reconnects with his now-adult daughter in an attempt to rebuild his life, but things get complicated when the reclusive true crime documentary-obsessed widower attempts to uncover the truth.

With a cast of seasoned professionals and four members of The Actors Studio including Steve Mize (Bones, Grey's Anatomy), Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Midnight Club), and Anne Marie Howard (John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness, Criminal Minds), the award-winning film has just been released to digital streamers and is available for sale and rent.

Plea marks the feature length debut of director Brian McQuery, who also wrote the film. He previously worked as an assistant director on a variety of movies and directed several well-received shorts. The proud son of a Chicago Police Officer and the victim of a violent crime that put him in a week-long paralytic coma, McQuery's projects explore the complex dynamics of the criminal justice system.

The film will appeal to the many fans and followers of narrative "True Crime" shows and documentaries, as well as police and courtroom procedurals like the Law & Order television programs, and Clint Eastwood's recently released feature film, Juror #2. Positive reaction has already come in from entertainment industry notables:

"Plea really resonated with me and the approach to the film was not only original, but emotionally powerful. Truly excellent filmmaking across the board." - Gale Anne Hurd (producer, The Terminator, Aliens; executive producer, The Walking Dead)

"I'd like Brian's films even if he WASN'T from Chicago! He's a writer and director, and exemplifies the true spirit of an independent filmmaker." - Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds, House of Games).

"The cast of Plea gives strong performances, but the story and the questions the story raises are the reason to check out Brian McQuery's film. I love a film that exists beyond the true crime narrative but looks into what justice really means today. 7.5/10." - Alan Ng, Film Threat

View the official trailer here: https://youtu.be/L9sc-v2zt_c



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