I confess, I'm confused.
Within days of release, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story was being watched and talked about with a kind of eager respect. I love to follow hype but I hesitated, conflicted. I don't know what we are supposed to learn from digging so deep into this terrible story — something inside of me was whispering that maybe it's not a healthy thing to spend time and energy on.
My 20-year old daughter, who is fairly well versed in the true crime and serial killer genres, said that she already knew so much about Jeffrey Dahmer that the show bored her and she stopped watching it. She said perhaps it's good to understand mental health and the circumstances that could lead a person to such monstrosities — but that she's disgusted that there are already "thirsty edits of Evan Peters as Dahmer" out there.
I was still having an internal debate. It's not like Hitler. Learning about the Holocaust is important to remember and understand what happened to millions of people and, in fact, the entire world. So is it a numbers thing? Dahmer only killed 17 people. This series is an exploration of one single man with one single psychological profile, I'm not really sure if there is a warning for us all to be found? He's not an anti-hero that we can get behind, either. We have become accustomed to watching "bad people" be heroes. We still want some good to come to them, even if it's criminal we tend to root for their success. Redemption and victory, overcoming dangerous odds. But this is too real, gross, terrifying, and unthinkable.
Finally, curiosity got the better of me. I watched several episodes. I struggled because it's not enjoyable (which is a relief). It shouldn't be enjoyable. Mostly, I find it sad. I'm sad for every single character in the show. Sad for Dahmer, for his mom, his dad, his grandmother, the victims, even his neighbors and the police who didn't know what to do with him. I suppose sadness is appropriate. I mean, when you set out to make a series like this, what are you trying to evoke?
As of today, it's one of the most watched shows that Netflix has ever streamed. I'm still confused, undecided as to whether I should finish watching — maybe if I do, some of my questions will be answered. So far I did learn how Dahmer tried to ask for help, but his family and the community didn't really know what to do with him — and that there were real opportunities to catch him but lax law enforcement, racism, and homophobia all contributed to Dahmer slipping through the cracks much longer than he should have. Are those lessons good enough reason to invest so much energy watching something so dark and depressing?
As an artist I think it's a strong, beautiful piece of work. It showcases the era interestingly, Evan Peters is absolutely stellar, the mood is steady and unhinging at the same time — it's difficult and that's not a bad thing. I just want to know if it's responsible to have made this, or for me to watch it. There's a lot of press about victims' families being unhappy because they weren't consulted. It has unearthed the subject, emotions and memories for many who are angered to see it part of the popular culture.
So I'm confused. Why was this series made? Is it enriching anyone's life? Why am I okay with almost any fictional work that is dark and disturbing but not this all-too-true telling? What say you all?
