If you ever thought the guy sitting at the back of your class could become one of the most infamous serial killers in history, then you'd probably be intrigued by My Friend Dahmer. Directed by Marc Meyers and released in 2017, this film offers a chilling, yet captivating glimpse into the life of Jeffrey Dahmer, a name that still sends shivers down many spines. The film is based on the graphic novel by John "Derf" Backderf, who went to high school with Dahmer. This is not another glamourized tale of crime you'll binge on a boring afternoon; rather, it's a thought-provoking narrative that asks tough questions about nature vs. nurture.
The story takes place in the suburban streets of Ohio, where a young Dahmer, portrayed by Ross Lynch, slowly unravels into the monster history remembers. Lynch, previously known for his roles in Disney Channel's sunny series, does an impressive job in this unsettling transformation. You watch as Dahmer, initially just an awkward teen, descends into something more sinister, mostly invisible to all those around him.
What's particularly striking about the film is its empathetic lens. It doesn't condone Dahmer's future actions, but it does give us a human face to someone who would eventually commit horrific crimes. Many might argue that offering Dahmer any kind of understandable narrative could make him a sympathetic figure, and that's a valid concern. But the strength of My Friend Dahmer is its commitment to depicting the desperation of an isolated teenager, making us ponder the impact of social neglect and the possible warning signs that were overlooked. Critics who resent any empathetic portrayal of Dahmer have a point when they worry about over-humanizing criminals. But there's also value in confronting the uncomfortable questions of how someone becomes a monster.
Younger audiences, especially Gen Z, might find the film's exploration of high school dynamics relatable. The film doesn't overshoot into melodrama or gratuitous violence, which could have easily been the wrong turn for such a sensitive subject. Instead, it carefully threads the needle, maintaining focus on the quiet, troubling moments that accumulate to a crescendo of eeriness, rather than gore.
Yet, as much as My Friend Dahmer brilliantly captures the troubled individual, some might feel it falls short of holding accountable the societal elements that could have created early interventions. The midwestern backdrop is portrayed almost as a character itself: insular, unchanging, emblematic of a culture unwilling to look deeper into its cracks. It adds a layer of authenticity, for sure, but also leaves the audience questioning what might have been done about the systemic factors.
Historically, cinema has a pattern of portraying criminals in larger-than-life pictures that somehow disengage us from the real world implications. My Friend Dahmer bucks this trend by remaining strictly grounded. This can be a double-edged sword, as some viewers may find its deliberate pacing a bit too real—maybe mundane by Hollywood's standards. But for the audience willing to sit with the uncomfortable truths, it offers invaluable insights.
Some students of psychology might appreciate this film as a near case study, while fans of true-crime narratives will find it a unique addition to the genre. Its departure from the sensationalist approach places it within a bracket of films that encourage dialogue—dialogue about mental health, bullying, and possibly even a failure of collective empathy. Teenagers facing similar moments of feeling invisible might resonate with some of Dahmer's high school experiences, although it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of seeking help and support, as opposed to letting social or internal isolation fester.
As a society, we need more films like My Friend Dahmer—ones that make us see the world from perspectives that are uncomfortable yet necessary to understand. While legally and morally, Dahmer's actions were entirely his own responsibility, the broader social narrative still plays a significant role in preemptive care and addressing unseen issues before they culminate in tragedy.
Ultimately, My Friend Dahmer serves as a haunting reminder of what can lurk behind the awkward smiles and silent stares of those we see but rarely look at. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones, not glorifying nor forgiving, but simply asking us to witness the complexity of a broken human experience with the hope of learning something about our own social mirrors. In a world that often moves too fast to care, maybe slowing down to ask the difficult questions isn't just worthwhile—it's essential.