True crime fans have been spoiled for choice in recent years, with streaming platforms churning out series and films about infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy and the Zodiac. But there's a persistent problem: many of these projects end up romanticizing the killer, turning victims into afterthoughts. No project exemplifies this flaw more than Ryan Murphy's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, a 10-episode Netflix behemoth that wallows in the killer's backstory while shortchanging those he harmed. Yet a lean, 2002 film starring Jeremy Renner—simply titled Dahmer—managed to sidestep these pitfalls entirely, offering a far more respectful and gripping account.
Why Less Is More
Netflix's Monster sprawls across 10 hours, covering Dahmer's life from childhood to his death in prison. But does the story really need that much time? The first five episodes blur into a repetitive cycle of Dahmer's strange upbringing and his gruesome murders, while the final five drag out the aftermath of his arrest. The result is padded with unnecessary exposition, gratuitous violence, and repetitive critiques of a failed system. Worse, the series inadvertently humanizes Dahmer, with viewers expressing sympathy for the killer—a problem amplified by casting the dreamy Evan Peters. The show shifts blame from Dahmer to police incompetence, almost excusing his acts.
In contrast, Dahmer clocks in at a tight 102 minutes. It cuts the fat—admittedly a poor choice of words—and stays focused on the killer's psychology. A single sequence of his father finding jars of chemicals and animal bones in the shed captures his morbid childhood. Flashbacks are interspersed through the events of his last night as a free man, giving us all the exposition we need. One scene, where police dismiss two Black women's concerns about Dahmer's apartment, says everything about the systemic failures without belaboring the point.
Respecting the Victims
A major criticism of Monster is its gratuitous depiction of murders, turning each victim's death into a spectacle. The victims' families were outraged; Rita Isbell, sister of victim Errol Lindsey, said the show recreated her victim impact statement without her consent, forcing her to relive the trauma. Murphy claimed his team reached out, but the damage was done.
Dahmer avoids this entirely by not portraying the victims or their fates. Instead, it's a psychological profile, focusing on Dahmer's internal conflict. The only three victims we meet—Khamtay, Lance Bell, and Rodney—are composites, existing to reveal his mindset. The film builds horror through emotional dread, cutting away before violence occurs. The best scene features a chess match of words between Dahmer and Rodney, a young Black man, as Rodney opens up while Dahmer struggles with his murderous intent.
Two Powerful Performances
Both projects boast strong leads. Evan Peters bears an uncanny physical resemblance to Dahmer, capturing his detached, calculated manner. But for Dahmer, Jeremy Renner relies less on looks and more on psychology, portraying a powder keg of awkwardness and desperation. The result is a refreshing, unique look at a monster no one can understand—without romanticizing him or dishonoring his victims. Monster, by contrast, feels like a "greatest hits" package that exploits what we already know.
For those seeking a more thoughtful true-crime experience, Renner's Dahmer is the clear winner. And if you're looking for other underrated gems, check out our list of Top 8 Underrated Action Shows That Get Better With Every Rewatch or explore Netflix's 'Mindhunter' Finds New Life in June 2026 Streaming Surge.
