The public’s fascination with serial killers continues with the popularity of Netflix’s Dahmer–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Currently, the number one show on the streaming service in Canada, Dahmer is not without controversy.
Starring the very creepy and well-cast Evan Peters, the show attempts to tell the story from the victims’ perspectives and Dahmer is not supposed to be the focal point of the story. In an interview on Cinemablend, Peters suggests that the story “would never be told from Dahmer’s point of view” and that “you’re not really sympathizing with him.”
However, according to CNN and other media outlets, that hasn’t “stopped a disturbing trend of viewers lusting after” the actor playing Dahmer. Sarah Stewart, the author of the CNN article, points out that many on TikTok and other social media express their attraction to the actor who portrays Dahmer and “in some cases sharing feelings for the killer himself.” Additionally, the families of Dahmer’s victims were not consulted nor compensated and the producers of the show, it could be argued, are profiting by revisiting the victims’ trauma.
The series itself is disturbing, and in this reviewer’s opinion, there are a number of scenes that are viscerally frightening. In the opening episode, Dahmer’s suspicious while simultaneously fed up neighbour, played effectively by actor Niecy Nash, is watching TV and a news report shares information about police incompetence (which foreshadows future police misconduct). She then hears a whirring sound and a sense of dread ensues for the neighbour and for us, the viewers. We all know that some very horrific activities are occurring in Dahmer’s apartment. We learn that Dahmer’s neighbour has reported her concerns about what is going on next door many times, but no one in authority does anything.
Without giving too much away, the story is told in a series of flashbacks and we learn how Dahmer’s victims were preyed upon, and how homophobia, racism and police malfeasance allowed Dahmer to rape and murder.
Despite the disturbing content, the show itself remains one of the most popular on Netflix and it broke a record becoming the streaming network’s most-watched show in its opening week. Additionally, it has an average audience score on Rotten Tomatoes of 85% and many reviewers acknowledge the strong performances of the key characters, particularly that of the lead, Evan Peters.
Nonetheless, one cannot help but wonder why there continues to be such a fascination with “True Crime” shows, particularly those that feature serial killers. Perhaps it is because the serial killer story is so rare, that it is very unlikely for any of us to experience that kind of evil. Dahmer–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, is a stylized depiction of some very horrific events that, it could be argued, is very exploitative. If you decide to binge—be warned!
Nonetheless, one cannot help but wonder why there continues to be such a fascination with “True Crime” shows, particularly those that feature serial killers. Perhaps it is because the serial killer story is rare, that it is very unlikely for any of us to experience that kind of evil. As such, I actually was entertained by the show. However, Dahmer is a stylized depiction of some very horrific events that are arguably exploitative. Therefore, this show is a reminder that when we consume media, we should do it with a critical lens. If you decide to binge, be wary of all the factors at play.