Dahmer – a disturbing and demented docuseries

Chloe Polizzi '23, Staff Writer

Released on September 21, 2022, Dahmer has both intrigued and terrified audiences, as a creative interpretation of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s life and crimes. (Chloe Polizzi ’23)

While the ratings for Netflix’s new docuseries Dahmer have blown through the roof, many people think that this show is glamorizing Jeffrey Dahmer’s gruesome story and crimes towards select victims.

The show itself is a difficult watch, containing scenes that most people cannot stomach. Besides that, it is very informative about the true pain and suffering each family and victim underwent in the duration of Dahmer’s killings. Episode 6 highlights Tony Hughes, a victim of Dahmer who lost his hearing as a baby. The episode is almost completely silent, honoring the way that Tony saw the world, and how Tony could have never predicted that Jeffrey was who he was.

The series also touches on Dahmer’s childhood, which was not positive. He was raised by his mother Joyce, father Lionel and had a younger brother named David. Dahmer and his father used to pick up roadkill together and take it home to dissect in their garage. Later in life, his parents partially neglected Dahmer when he was a senior in high school, which is what allowed him to first begin exploring his twisted mind. When his father returned home, he was astonished at what he’d walked into. The house was cluttered with empty beer cans and had acquired a strange smell, as there had been a dead body inside not long before his arrival home.

For those interested in watching this series, know that there are scenes that will make you uncomfortable and possibly queasy. It is also very emotional. Evan Peters, who plays Jeffrey Dahmer, did an amazing job covering every aspect of his character. Every actor and actress on this show worked so well together to make it feel authentic.