On Sep. 21, Netflix released a new crime fiction show called “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” The series aims to recap the life of serial killer Jeffery Dahmer by appealing to the emotions of viewers, often including graphic scenes that depict the true horror of his crimes. 

Nearly a week after its release, the series has soared to new heights, gaining mass popularity. It is currently number one on most-watched Netflix TV-shows in more than 60 countries. 

The show has similarly gained popularity among students here, with many students expressing their interest in the true-crime show. 

Dahmer is regarded as one of the most horrifying serial killers in American history. Not only did Dahmer torment his victims before committing homicides, but stored the victims’ bodies in a freezer in order to eat them. Dahmer targeted Black, Asian, Latino, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ people as his victims, ultimately murdering 17 men and boys in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In over 32 hours of recorded footage from defense attorney Wedny Partickus, Dahmer willingly admitted in vivid detail the specifics of his actions – allowing the world to get a view of the infamous horror.

The girls volleyball team has recently established a new “tradition,” of watching the series on the bus rides to away games. It started out as a light-hearted way of entertainment, but has since become a good-luck-charm for the team, who has seen a winning streak emerge since watching before games.

“It became a way for us to bond over a common experience and gave us something to talk about before our games,” said junior Mollie White. “Every time we watch on the bus before a game, we win, so we obviously keep coming back to it.”

The proximity of the crime connects many LFHS students to the content of the show. Dahmer lived in Milwaukee, 45 minutes away from the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff community. 

 “This stuff never happens, and the fact that it happened so close to home is even more surprising,” said Sophomore Kiley Goodman.

The show portrays Dahmer in a vulnerable way that shows the struggles of his life, something not often incorporated into a crime show. Viewers are made aware of Dahmers tough childhood: his parents’ divorce, being persistently bullied in grade school, and his struggle to connect to people on an emotional level all contribute to his bitter demeanor into adulthood. While these do not justify his horrendous crimes, they do emotionally appeal to the viewer while giving a unique perspective on the situation.  

“The show is written so that you almost feel bad for him, in a way, even though he was a murderer. When you see his childhood, you almost feel sorry for him,” said senior Bella Ranallo.

 The show’s depiction of Dahmer is the very reason for the show’s prominent controversy. Many claim that the show “romanticizes” Dahmer’s crimes, while not bringing nearly enough attention to the victims.

Dahmer’s family, as well as families of the victims, are upset that Netflix is profiting off of trauma and grief. Rita Isbell, the sister of victim Erroll Lindsey, had to revisit trauma when a scene vividly depicting an emotional moment for her in court was incorporated into the show, without her permission.

This stimulates an important ethical concern of true crime, which is the fine line between entertainment and trauma. While the series is circulating in the news, families of the victims must relive the worst moments of their lives, putting Netflix and the show itself in a challenging position.

The magnitude of Dahmer’s crimes were so severe and truly inhumane; people wonder how a person could possibly do such a thing. This seems to be a common factor that causes people to gravitate towards true crime shows, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is no exception. The graphic scenes portraying the frightening details of his crime certainly catch people off guard – making viewers “disgusted,” said Ranallo yet “intrigued” simultaneously.

Dahmer had a hernia removed in his youth; his parents believe the anesthesia from the surgery caused permanent brain damage, as Dahmer never behaved quite the same afterwards. It was also discovered in 1987, seven years before his death, that Dahmer suffered from schizophrenia, BPD, and a psychotic disorder. 

“I started watching it to understand the psychological point of view,” said Social Worker Lisa Huffman. 

Although a thoroughly investigated crime, there are still mysteries to the Dahmer situation. People have differing opinions on what ultimately caused Dahmer to commit such monstrosities. The unknowns surrounding the situation have become a hot topic of discussion, and have allowed people to find a common ground through the show. 

“Because it is still kind of a mystery as to why he did these things, everyone has their own assumptions about what truly caused it,” said Goodman. “It makes it interesting to talk to other people about theories.”

Whether the controversial series is a conversation starter, a pre-game ritual, or simply a way to pass time, there is no doubt that this horrifying, yet fascinating series has taken off and made a name for itself within the community.