One Minute to Nine

One Minute to Nine documents the final days of freedom for Wendy Maldonado, a mother from rural Oregon, before she begins serving a 10-year prison sentence for the manslaughter of her abusive husband. It presents a harrowing account of domestic violence and its devastating consequences on a family.

The film follows Wendy during her last five days before incarceration, interweaving this narrative with a broader exploration of the years of abuse she and her children endured. Through a combination of home videos, 911 recordings, and interviews with friends, family members, and neighbors, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the Maldonado family’s struggle.

Central to the story is Wendy’s decision to take matters into her own hands after enduring nearly two decades of violent abuse at the hands of her husband, Aaron. The documentary reveals that Wendy was married at 16 and suffered 18 years of continuous violence, which also affected her four sons.

The film provides context for the events leading up to Aaron’s death, including testimony from witnesses who observed the abuse over the years. It also details the legal aftermath, explaining how Wendy and her eldest son, Randy, were arrested and eventually accepted a plea bargain for manslaughter charges.

By presenting Wendy’s story, the documentary sheds light on the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse, the justice system’s response to such cases, and the difficult choices faced by victims.