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A disturbing vision of the adolescence of America’s most notorious serial killer, and the beginnings of his notoriety.
Jeffrey Dahmer is a teenage outcast, obsessed with the morbidity of death and not very good at making friends. His parents are in the midst of a divorce and have little time for him, and Jeffrey spends his time performing experiments on roadkill, and dissolving bones in acid. When some of his classmates decide to befriend the loner to liven things up, they inadvertently encourage the macabre tendencies that consume him. Jeffrey’s future is ever-present, colouring these events with a terrifying promise.
Based on a graphic novel by Dahmer’s actual classmate John Backderf (who also features in the film as a key character), this true story of the murderer as a young man is unlike any other serial killer biopic, taking us deep into the origins of one of the 20th century’s most gruesome monsters. A breathtaking performance from Disney star Ross Lynch (Austin & Ally) anchors this menacing yet sometimes wryly funny film, which boasts a strong supporting cast that includes Anne Heche (Rampart, MIFF 2012), Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men) and Dallas Roberts (The Good Wife).
'Audacious … disturbingly original and compelling.' – Variety
