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Content Warning: This article refers to murders and assaults.
As someone who’s always been interested in true crime and mystery, I didn’t hesitate to watch Netflix’s new documentary series on serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Still, the first episode blew me away. I’ve seen almost every true crime documentaries on Netflix, but this movie is the first time I’ve ever felt real horror and shock through the screen. The acting and the atmosphere the show created terrified me, as if I was watching everything live.
“Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” has become Netflix’s No. 1 show in the world, with approximately 192 million hours watched since its release on September 21. Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the ten-episode limited series is based on the true story of the American serial killer (nicknamed Milwaukee) Cannibals . Between 1978 and 1991, Dahmer killed 17 men and young boys in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His methods were notorious as he would murder, rape, dismember and consume his victims. He is indeed a monster.
The show’s timeline travels back and forth from Dahmer’s childhood to his adulthood. The first episode specifically focuses on Dahmer (Evan Peters) picking up Tracy Edwards (Sean Brown) from a bar and taking him back to his apartment, where red flags immediately appear. There was a tank full of dead fish, a bloody drill and the horrific smell of rotting meat, which Dahmer claimed was “bad meat.” Fortunately, Edwards was able to escape and call the police, leading to Dahmer’s arrest and publicity of his horrific crimes.
Provided by Netflix.
After the first episode showcased Dahmer’s downfall, the show delves into his childhood, teenage years, family and the beginning of his killing. While I won’t go into the specifics, I do want to warn that these episodes can be difficult for some to sit back on.
An important factor to keep in mind when making a true crime TV show or movie is not to romanticize or glorify the murderer. In 2019, Netflix released the movie “horribly evil, shockingly evil and vile” Starring Zac Efron.Like “Monster: Jeffrey Dahmer Story”, a film about the murder of 28 young women by serial killer Ted Bundy (Zac Efron). Rather than centering on victims and crimes, the film is more focus on Bundy’s notorious fascination with women and his good looks. Some have debate The movie doesn’t portray him as his villain.
Unlike the Ted Bundy film, I believe the portrayal of Dahmer in this film is less romanticized and more authentic. Peters did a great job of blending in for the character. Comparing his performance to an actual interview with Dahmer, Peters pointed to every demeanor from Dahmer’s breathing to the way he spoke. Watching him, you can feel your own fear and nervousness across the screen; you feel uneasy throughout the show.
While the series has gained widespread popularity, there have been some major criticisms from viewers. Many people took to social media platforms like Tiktok and Twitter to comment on the issues the series has caused. For the Milwaukee community and the victims’ friends and family, the show is ripping off the bandages from unhealed wounds. Rita Isbell, the sister of one of the victims, wrote Insiders believe that “[The show] It brought back all the emotions I had at the time. To make matters worse, Isbell said Netflix didn’t ask the families for permission or even warn them.
There are real people affected by Dahmer’s crimes. The stories and pain Dahmer caused should not be viewed as pure entertainment or to make money. The victim’s family should be informed of how the piece was made. They should be respected and should be considered by the producers. In reality, however, the film industry has built a number of shows and movies around serial killers, like Bundy and Dahmer. Many producers use real stories to create content that engages their audiences. While learning about real crime is fun, there are better ways to educate yourself on these topics without harming the victim or focusing on the killer. Victims are not fictional characters, they are real people like us, with friends and family.
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