Is My Friend Dahmer Based on a True Story? My Friend Dahmer Release Date, Plot, Cast, and More
by Madhumitha
Updated Oct 19, 2023
My Friend Dahmer
My Friend Dahmer is a movie from 2017 about the life of the American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. It's based on a true story and a graphic novel written by John "Derf" Backderf, who was friends with Dahmer in high school in the 1970s before Dahmer's killing spree began in 1978.
The film stars Ross Lynch as Dahmer, Alex Wolff as Derf, Dallas Roberts as Jeffrey's father, and Anne Heche as Jeffrey's mother. It first showed at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival and came out in the United States on November 3, 2017, through Hulu. Many critics liked the movie, praising how it stuck to the real events and Ross Lynch's acting.
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Is My Friend Dahmer Based on a True Story?
Yes, My Friend Dahmer is a movie based on a true story, the story of Jeffrey Dahmer, but it focuses on a different part of his life. Instead of his gruesome murders, it shows his teenage years before he committed his first murder. The film is based on a true story, adapted from a graphic novel written by John 'Derf' Backderf, who actually knew Dahmer during high school. In fact, the movie goes the extra mile for accuracy by filming in Dahmer's real childhood home and the areas around it.
While some creative liberties are taken, the main events of the story remain true. Backderf and his friends did form a 'Dahmer Fan Club,' and Dahmer was indeed part of their high school life. The film accurately captures the eerie atmosphere surrounding Dahmer, and it concludes with his first chilling murder.
My Friend Dahmer's Release Date
My Friend Dahmer was first released on April 21, 2017. This film, directed by Marc Meyers and based on the graphic novel "My Friend Dahmer," tells the chilling true story of young Jeffrey Dahmer during his high school years, before he gained notoriety as a serial killer.
The movie explores the dark and unsettling aspects of Dahmer's life, providing a glimpse into his teenage experiences and the eerie atmosphere surrounding him. It delves into the psychological drama of a young man who would later become one of America's most infamous criminals.
My Friend Dahmer Overview
Title
My Friend Dahmer
Plot
The true, haunting story of young Jeffrey Dahmer -- the shy adolescent in high school who becomes a notorious serial killer years later.
Initial Release
21 April 2017
Director
Marc Meyers
Based on
My Friend Dahmer
Screenplay
Marc Meyers
Distributed by
FilmRise
Box Office
$1.4 million
My Friend Dahmer Plot
My Friend Dahmer is a movie that tells the story of Jeffrey Dahmer, but it focuses on a different part of his life. Instead of showing his gruesome murders, the film takes us back to his teenage years before he committed his first crime. This movie is based on a true story, adapted from a graphic novel by John 'Derf' Backderf, who was Dahmer's classmate in high school. The film even went to great lengths to film in Dahmer's real childhood home and its surroundings for accuracy.
While there are some changes for storytelling purposes, the key events in the story are based on real-life experiences. Backderf and his friends really did form a 'Dahmer Fan Club,' and Dahmer was part of their high school life. The film effectively captures the unsettling atmosphere around Dahmer, and it ends with his first chilling murder.
My Friend Dahmer Cast
Actor/Actress
Role
Ross Lynch
Jeffrey Dahmer
Alex Wolff
John 'Derf' Backderf
Dallas Roberts
Jeffrey's Father
Anne Heche
Jeffrey's Mother
My Friend Dahmer Where to Watch?
You can watch My Friend Dahmer on the streaming platform Peacock. The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. So, if you're interested in exploring the chilling story of Jeffrey Dahmer's teenage years and his transformation into a notorious serial killer, you can easily find it on Peacock for your viewing pleasure. In some areas, My Friend Dahmer is also available on Amazon Prime.
My Friend Dahmer Review
The story of My Friend Dahmer has been reviewed positively by many. People appreciate how the movie tells a different side of Jeffrey Dahmer's life, focusing on his teenage years before his terrible crimes. They find it interesting that the film is based on a true story, which adds to its authenticity.
Even though there are some creative changes, the core events of the story are accurate. The portrayal of Dahmer's high school life and the eerie atmosphere are well-received. The film's conclusion, depicting his first murder, is chilling and impactful, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
Is My Friend Dahmer Based on a True Story?-FAQs
Yes, it is based on the real-life experiences of John 'Derf' Backderf, who knew Jeffrey Dahmer in high school.
While there are some creative liberties, the film captures the main events and atmosphere accurately.
Yes, the movie went to great lengths, even filming in Dahmer's actual childhood home for authenticity.
Yes, John 'Derf' Backderf and his friends formed a group called the "Dahmer Fan Club" in high school.
The film ends with Jeffrey Dahmer's first murder, staying true to the real events in his life.