Episode One

Just a trigger warning, if you can not forget the stories easily.don't watch this. I checked the storyline and watched it only because it has high rating in IMDb. The story made me prepared about what I was about to watch.but despite my preparedness it was a hard watch as the scene building is intense. The camera work is awesome, you start feeling suffocated from the beginning. Close angles make you feel like you are inside the rooms and want to breathe a fresh air.

The first episode ends with what he did so embrace yourselves to know why he did, how he did and why he was not caught. Just my suggestion it's not a binge watch watch it slowly. Follow the series with some light hearted series just to cleanse the thoughts.

I was ready for this to be another assembly line, paint by numbers Netflix disaster. Not so. Very well executed, good acting, the tension is palpable. I've read all about JD a few years ago, watched some of his interviews and such so I had some idea with regards to the story but it feels fresh. Its definitely a lot creepier than I expected, which was maybe folly on my part as really, what would you expect? But the atmosphere created really works and is very unsettling. And it only becomes more so in the following episode. I didn't sleep well last night after watching the first two episodes. But looking forward to serving out the rest.

"Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story," created by Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy and directed by Carl Franklin, opens its first episode with a harrowing and layered portrayal of the notorious serial killer's early adulthood, setting the tone for what proves to be a cerebral and unsettling exploration of Jeffrey Dahmer's descent into monstrosity. The episode, aptly titled "Episode One," serves both as an introduction to Dahmer's character and a tense exposition of the systemic failures and societal indifferences that allowed his horrors to unfold over years. At its core, this inaugural installment is as much a psychological character study as it is a procedural drama, positioning the viewer uncomfortably close to the subtle build-up of Dahmer's predatory behaviors while simultaneously embedding the narrative within the wider context of neglect and marginalization.

The episode begins in 1987, with Dahmer portrayed by Evan Peters taking a job at a chocolate factory, a seemingly mundane facade that contrasts chillingly with his waking obsession to hunt and kill. The narrative methodically reveals his sinister modus operandi: inviting men to his mother's house under false pretenses, drugging them, strangling them to death, and then proceeding to dismember their bodies in the cellar. This grisly routine is artfully conveyed through a combination of tense cinematography and claustrophobic framing by director Carl Franklin, which emphasizes the suffocating atmosphere of Dahmer's world. One particularly unsettling scene involves Dahmer washing two serrated knives in a sloppy manner-an image that evokes menace without explicit gore, signaling his descent from a disturbed individual into a cold-blooded killer. The use of medium shots that intentionally obscure parts of Dahmer's face at this moment creates ambiguity, underscoring the horror lurking beneath an ordinary exterior.

A pivotal sequence provokes tension through the smells wafting from the cellar, leading to a confrontation with Dahmer's parents, Catherine and Lionel Dahmer (with Richard Jenkins delivering a restrained yet profoundly impactful performance as Lionel). Their interaction is fraught with denial and discomfort; Lionel berates Jeffrey for the telltale odors, supposedly caused by a taxidermy hobby, showcasing not only the familial dysfunction but also the denial and enabling environment Dahmer operated within. The script underscores the complexity of Dahmer's character, revealing moments of vulnerability and manipulation, particularly during this confrontation. Jenkins' portrayal of Lionel Dahmer adds depth, illustrating a man torn between paternal concern and incredulity at his son's actions.

The plot intensifies with an early victim, Ronald Flowers Jr., whose near-victimization ends with his escape facilitated inadvertently by Dahmer's mother finding him unconscious and forcing Jeffrey to help get him on a bus. This event epitomizes the implicit complicity and the tragic missed opportunities that pepper Dahmer's timeline. Scenes involving police interactions-where officers question Dahmer and his mother but fail to secure an arrest-are powerful indictments of institutional inadequacy. The cold, almost procedural dialogue of law enforcement agents contrasts sharply with the suspenseful and intimate portrayal of Dahmer's predation, highlighting a recurring theme of negligence towards the victims, many of whom are Black men marginalized by society.

The episode also sensitively integrates non-linear storytelling elements that jump across the timeline of Dahmer's crimes, enhancing the narrative's complexity. This structure elevates the atmosphere of dread, as viewers piece together the mounting horror that unfolds over years. The curated use of soundtrack, lighting, and shadow work to build a sense of isolation and foreboding. Director Franklin's execution is meticulous and sensory-rich, focusing on the terror from the victim's perspective at times, which invokes empathy and revulsion simultaneously.

Evan Peters' performance stands out as a masterclass in restrained menace. His portrayal avoids over-the-top villainy, opting instead for a chilling calmness that unsettles throughout the episode. Peters captures Dahmer's duality-the ordinariness that masks depravity-with subtle facial expressions and posture, lending credibility to the character's psychopathy. The editing rhythmically toggles between moments of eerie stillness and bursts of violence, which, coupled with the narrative's haunting themes, keeps the audience in a constant state of tense anticipation.

In terms of production values, the cinematography shines with its dark palette and tightly framed shots, which visually mirror the oppressive and secretive life Dahmer led. Scenes of Dahmer's apartment, especially the disturbing cellar, are shot with grim attention to detail, conveying corruption and decay both literally and metaphorically. The editing by the production team maintains a pace that balances storytelling and suspense, never rushing nor lingering excessively, which enhances viewer engagement.

Thematically, the episode tackles the intersection of race, sexuality, and systemic failure. By highlighting the disappearances of Black men with posters and news clippings, the series contextualizes Dahmer's crimes within broader societal apathy and racism. This nuanced approach differentiates it from conventional true crime dramatizations that often risk glamorizing the killer. The episode's narrative is careful to give space to the victims' humanity and the societal structures that failed them, rather than dwelling solely on Dahmer's monstrosity.

Within the broader landscape of cinematography and true crime storytelling, this episode situates itself as a reflective and socially conscious work. It pays homage to the genre while deliberately subverting its often sensationalist tendencies. The series echoes stylistic elements reminiscent of other Ryan Murphy works, where dark character studies intertwine with social commentary. Its deliberate references to other crime dramas and psychological thrillers offer a meta-awareness about the consumption of true crime stories, evoking dialogue on ethical storytelling.

The first episode of "Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" thus sets a formidable foundation for the series, weaving together meticulous direction, compelling performances, and a thoughtful script. The potent combination immerses viewers in a terrifying yet resonant reality that goes beyond the surface horrors. It challenges audiences to grapple with uncomfortable questions about morality, complicity, and memory.

One cannot overlook the cultural significance of this series debut. It contributes to ongoing conversations about how society processes trauma and remembers victims, especially from marginalized communities. The episode's unflinching examination of institutional failure and human evil is a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of neglect and indifference.

"Episode One" is a masterful blend of craftsmanship and critical engagement that elevates "Dahmer - Monster" above typical true crime retellings. Its ability to humanize victims while dissecting the psyche of a notorious killer, all within a socially aware framework, makes it a must-watch with profound implications. While the subject matter is inherently disturbing, the episode's execution invites reflection rather than voyeurism. It compels the audience not simply to be spectators of horror but to consider the larger societal defects that incubate such monstrosity. This episode is a challenging but essential contribution to true crime media, emphasizing that understanding monstrosity requires confronting uncomfortable truths about humanity and justice.

Jeffrey Dahmer's neighbour complains about a strong smell coming from his apartment, he brushes her off, that night he lures a guy back to his place.

I wondered if the Dahmer story would be dramatised, you have to hand it to Netflix, they are giving us the stories of all of the famous serial killers.

Dahmer was a particularly sick and twisted individual, even the title fits him perfectly, Monster.

It's a great start, it kind of feels like the final episode given to us at the very beginning, but it's fascinating, chilling, and hugely thought provoking.

If you're upset by real life crimes, I daren't use the word easily, then this may be a step to far, the crimes are harrowing.

Evan Peters, phenomenal.

Great first episode, 9/10.

Im literally intrigued from young age with the stories of Dahmer,Gacy,Bundy,Fish all this real life Hannibal Lecters...I always wondering what can make a person kill someone else with such brutality...I have seen documentaries of Dahmer,i know the story pretty much and i thought this series would be the same...Oh Boy OH BOY the last 7 minutes...I really dont know if something made me shiver more than that...Its another thing to know that its just fiction and other thing that this is exactly what this people found when they investigate..Other than this the performances so far are great(and terrifying as well)Evan Peters is a great actor and i think this is a show will prove it.