Review: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Premieres on Netflix

The chilling story of a murderer and his victims. Director Ryan Murphy released his new true crime series, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. The show dropped on Netflix and has taken the true crime industry by storm.

This 10-episode series retells the gruesome murders of 17 young men from 1978 to 1991.

Dahmer was born in Akron, Ohio but committed the majority of his crimes in Milwaukee, Wis. This series takes the audience on a journey through his life, beginning with his childhood and ending with his final victim.

            Evan Peters, a well-known actor in other horror and thriller films, played Jeffrey Dahmer in this series. Despite the fact that there are numerous versions of the story, this series seems to grasp each detail and touch the audience in a unique way.

Instead of focusing solely on Jeffrey Dahmer, this series also pays tribute to the victims and families of those who were affected. It shows the experience of those around him whether that be employees in a bar or the neighbors in the building.

            Murphy dedicated episode eight to Tony Anthony Hughes (Rodney Burford), one of the victims who had relations with Dahmer before passing away. The audience is able to see who Hughes was as a person while he was still alive. It demonstrated the significance of his life rather than focusing on his death.

            Glenda Cleveland (Niecy Nash), Dahmer’s neighbor, was a huge help in leading the police to Dahmer. Her experience on the other side of her door was depicted in the show. As Dahmer’s next-door neighbor, she would hear the screams and smell the flesh.

            Cleveland played a significant role in Dahmer’s capture. She called the police several times because she suspected something was wrong next door. It also highlights the police’s failure to recognize what was occurring at the time, allowing Dahmer to continue his murders for 13 years.

            There are numerous versions of this story available on several streaming websites. However, this particular series did an outstanding job of telling this event in detail from various perspectives. This adds to the show’s authenticity.

The fact that it was a TV series based on a true story is what drew viewers in. Unlike other films, this series presents the story step by step rather than a single rushed movie. This gave the audience time to learn and grow into the show.

This story was eye-opening. Although it is infamous in America, recounting it through Peters’ portrayal of Dahmer is quite disturbing. There were a few minor inaccuracies in the show but it did not affect the honesty from the story overall.

            The show concluded with Dahmer serving 15 life sentences for the 15 counts of murder he was found guilty of. He died in prison two years after he was imprisoned.

For those who haven’t heard the story, this series provides viewers with an abundance of vital information about one of America’s most shocking murders. Many will learn about this horrific event and should watch at their own discretion.