The story of Jeffrey Dahmer wasn’t particularly one we wanted or needed, but since we’re all weirdly obsessed with violence and murder now – thanks, Game of Thrones and Making a Murderer – why not delve into the complicated childhood of one of America’s most prolific serial killers.
Directed by Marc Meyers and based on the acclaimed graphic novel by John “Derf” Backderf, My Friend Dahmer is a biographical drama/thriller, exploring the childhood of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer through the eyes of one of his high school classmates.
The film premiered at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival earlier in the year and sees former Disney star Ross Lynch transform into his darkest role yet. Lynch harnesses the inner psychopathy of Dahmer to give a skin-crawling portrayal of a boy who would later go on to rape, murder and dismember seventeen victims between 1978 and 1991.
Are we supposed to resonate and sympathise with Jeffrey? Nevertheless, it will be interesting to gain a personal perspective on the childhood of a notorious serial killer… At the very least, My Friend Dahmer will be a chilling film adaptation of Backderf’s graphic memoir. It may also make you think twice about that isolated, apathetic dude you went to school with.
No word yet on an Australian release date, but if you’re in the area check out My Friend Dahmer at the Melbourne International Film Festival between 12-13 August, 2017.
