Cropsey

Cropsey blends urban legend with true crime investigation, focusing on a series of child disappearances on Staten Island, New York. It begins by introducing the titular Cropsey, a boogeyman-like figure from local folklore used to frighten children. As the narrative unfolds, it transitions from myth to reality, centering on Andre Rand, a convicted child kidnapper whose crimes may have inspired or been influenced by the Cropsey legend.

Filmmakers Joshua Zeman and Barbara Brancaccio, who grew up on Staten Island, recount their childhood experiences with the Cropsey story and its connection to the abandoned Willowbrook State School. The documentary takes a dark turn as it recounts the 1987 disappearance of Jennifer Schweiger, a 12-year-old girl with Down syndrome, which shocked the local community.

The film presents a comprehensive look at the case, featuring interviews with families of missing children, police investigators, and Rand’s defense attorneys. It also incorporates extensive archival news footage to provide historical context. The documentary touches on several other unsolved disappearances of children in the area, suggesting possible connections to Rand.

Throughout the film, Zeman and Brancaccio attempt to unravel the mystery surrounding these cases, visiting key locations such as the abandoned Willowbrook mental institution and Rand’s former campsites. They also explore the community’s reaction to the crimes, including the formation of search parties and the spread of rumors and speculation.