Dream Deceivers

Dream Deceivers delves into the controversial and tragic case surrounding the 1985 suicide pact of two young men, Raymond Belknap and James Vance, in Reno, Nevada. While Belknap died instantly, Vance survived with severe injuries, leading to a lawsuit against the heavy metal band Judas Priest. The families alleged that subliminal messages in the band’s music drove the boys to their actions. The unprecedented trial is the framework for this one-of-a-kind, Emmy-nominated documentary, offering a nuanced examination of the case, the cultural panic surrounding heavy metal music, and the deeply personal stories of those involved. A thought-provoking look at the intersection of grief, blame, and the influence of media on youth.