Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unsettling serial killer docu with disturbing retellings.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Love, Ted Bundy
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Awaiting his execution in prison, America's most notorious serial killer Ted Bundy wrote a series of letters from death row in LOVE, TED BUNDY. In her untold story, cousin Edna Martin finally shares the unsettling last written words of her cousin, the man whom she loved like a brother—and the real-life monster he turned out to be. Reading in between the lines, she attempts to confront the uncomfortable truth on a quest to find healing and peace.
Is It Any Good?
Edna Martin's untold story in Love, Ted Bundy is a sympathetic attempt to seek justice and healing on an initially pure premise, but it's unfortunately cheapened by the obvious money grab. Just seeing the last written words of a serial killer is unsettling, as Edna has to don gloves just to open and read Ted Bundy's slanted cursive handwriting. But as the words on the page become more convoluted and condescending, Ted Bundy's thoughts jump out at you with a haunting chill. But even the best of intentions can lead to bad choices.
What starts as Edna's earnest trauma release and a noble quest for victims' honor climaxes in this film with one poignant line of "I should have gotten professional help." Its 85 minutes of reflection, examination, and understanding suddenly shifts from a beautiful tribute to honor the victims and survivors to a personal plug for her book deal and a documentary. And that's when the film changes from a compelling, honest journey to something uncomfortable. Edna Martin's intentions may have been pure, but her story is proof that sensationalism comes in many forms. Unfortunately this film ends with a bad, lingering aftertaste.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why people are interested in true crime stories, especially about serial killers like Ted Bundy. Do you think that documentaries like this can accidentally make criminals seem more interesting or important than they are? Why, or why not? What responsibility do filmmakers have when telling real-life crime stories?
How can we tell if a documentary is accurate rather than edited for storytelling purposes? What questions should we ask when watching true crime documentaries to make sure that we aren't being misled? How might social media or the news outlets portray this story differently than a documentary could?
Did you learn anything in this film that could be applied to your own life (e.g., trusting people, awareness)? Did this film change your perspective on judging people based on their appearance or behaviors?
How can we be respectful when talking about victims and survivors of stories like these?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 16, 2026
- Director : Christopher Cassel
- Studio : Oxygen
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Family Stories
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : April 13, 2026
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