New Dahmer Netflix Series Causes Controversy

Almost everywhere you look, the new Jeffery Dahmer documentary on Netflix, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is being discussed. Being in both the positive and negative light, many people have different, strong opinions on Dahmer, his crimes, and the television shows that are in light of his actions. 

Dahmer is one of the many true crime television shows focusing on Dahmer himself. With every true crime show or movie, many people question whether the directing is glamorizing the killings of the murderer rather than sympathizing for the victims. With actors like Evan Peters playing Dahmer, Zac Efron playing Ted Bundy, and other movies starring actors or actresses known for their looks to play such gruesome, horrific characters, many wonder if the directors even worry about the crimes at hand at all.

That being said, in a preview for the series, Evan Peters, the actor playing Dahmer himself, claims that the series attempts to shine light on the victims of Dahmer’s crimes. “It’s called The Jeffery Dahmer Story, but it’s not just him and his backstory: It’s the repercussions, how society and our system failed to stop him multiple times because of racism and homophobia,” Peters explained. “It’s just a tragic story.”

Rita Isabell, the sister of Errol Lindsey, one of Dahmer’s victims, had put out a quote for Insider. In 1992, Isabell gave out one of the most impactful and recognizable impact statements in Dahmer’s sentencing, which was then conveyed word for word in the Netflix series. “I was never contacted about the show,” Isabell told Insider. “I feel like Netflix should’ve asked if we mind it or how we feel about it before making it. They didn’t ask me anything. They just did it.”

Some others have the opposite opinion. For example, in episode six, called Silenced, focuses on just one victim, Tony Hughes. Hughes was deaf, black and gay, and almost the whole episode is in silence. The episode is usually known and described as “giving a voice to someone who is deprived from one.” This episode is also an exception, not a rule. 

Many of those are also upset that another Dahmer project was made. This is the second Jeffery Dahmer drama series/film made in two years, and the fifth in ten years. Critics who are against the film decide that enough is enough and at this point people know enough about Dahmer’s life. They also argue that having actors known for being attractive to play serial killers just allows more temptation for viewers to be attracted and fascinated about the killer themselves.

The series itself is better to watch yourself and form your own opinions. The series is on Netflix and free to watch with a subscription.