My Friend Dahmer (2017)

Director : Marc Meyers
Stars : Ross Lynch, Alex Wolff, Anne Heche, Tommy Nelson, Harrison Holzer

My Friend Dahmer is a coming of age film, with something a twist. It follows a similar kind of narrative to the average coming of age story. It is a tale of a high school student finding his place among his peers, and finding friends, and learning how he sees the world. However, in this case, it happens to be the coming of age story of the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.

The film opens by introducing us to the main character's fascination with road kill. In doing so it sets the tone for the entire film. It lets the viewer know that there is something creepy, or off, about the protagonist. The opening act of the film shows us the problems the protagonist has at home, with a mum with mental health problems, a father that pays little attention to him, and parents that argue constantly. The film also spends time showing us in deeper detail his fascination with road kill, and of 'seeing what is inside' living things. This fascination drives him somewhat, and the interactions we see between him and others his age drive.

However, in the second act the protagonist gets noticed by his peers for some of his other behaviour, and a sort of 'fan club' forms around him. After being adopted by the fan club, Dahmer finds himself for the first time surrounded by friends. Here we see the film take on the coming of age theme, as Dahmer and friends play pranks, go fishing, and generally just spend time getting to know each other. During this time the protagonist appears as if he is any other teen attempting to find their place in the world and find the group that he belongs to. Eventually the mask begins to slip, and the protagonists darker desires begin to surface and make themselves known to his current set of friends. Which is where the third act begins.

The third act tells the story of the friends drifting apart, as the protagonist begins a deep spiral into depression caused by his family falling apart, the beginnings of alcoholism, and his friends drifting away from him. We are introduced slowly to what Dahmer would become, ending on his transformation from teen trying to find his place in the world into the Dahmer that we are all familiar with.

Ross Lynch plays the teen Dahmer, and plays him well. He does not go for outright creepy, though does give a performance that gives off a sense of unease about the character we are seeing on the screen. Lynch also manages to show us the sense of isolation, the depression, and the desire that Dahmer had to belong, allowing the viewer to feel a sense of sympathy to the character we see unfolding on the screen in front of us. This must have been a difficult role to portray, especially in the manner that the screenplay and director has gone for, and Lynch pulls it off masterfully.

Another actor worthy of mention is Anne Heche. Here we find Heche playing the mother, who throughout the course of the film is losing touch with reality, and fighting a constant battle against the world and her husband. Heche pulls it off, transforming herself into the character. It took me quite a while to recognise that it was actually her, though some of you may recognise her immediately of course. She is not an actress that has consistently impressed me, but have to admit that she gave a standout performance here.

The story is excellent, and while it could quite easily have gotten by simply by showing us a child growing creepier and creepier, it does not. It makes an attempt to tell us a story about a teen who does not quite fit in, and does it very well. There are times when the viewer will find themselves sympathising with the protagonist, and considering that we always know who the character becomes is no easy feat. Those watching it expecting to see gore, and violence, will be disappointed. The film relies on no such thing to move the narrative along. Instead what we are left with is a very human tale that gives the viewer insight into why, sometimes, the serial killer can hide in plain sight, and how very normal their background can sometimes be.

It is kind of hard to decide who this film is best suited for, but feel that most people who gave it a try would enjoy it. There are times when you forget that the story you are watching is about one of the most notorious serial killers in contemporary times. Its lack of focus on the killings themselves means that those who generally enjoy films about serial killers may not be grabbed by this one. However, for those that enjoy a film that tells a story, and want to see a tale told of a serial killer from an angle that is too often ignored, this will definitely be a film for you. It is full of atmosphere, excellently acted, and at times very touching and amusing, interspersed with jarring moments that cause you to remember exactly who it is you are learning about. The film also captures the feel of the time, both through narrative as well as through the art direction and film style.

We both enjoyed watching it, and both gave the film about a 7.5 or 8 out of 10. If you like a film that is slightly different, then My Friend Dahmer is something you should check out, you shouldn't be disappointed. For everyone else, it is probably still worth checking out. It is well made, well acted, and tells an interesting story in a unique, original and interesting way.