Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
An online date turns out to be a killer; violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Dating App Killer: The Monica White Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE DATING APP KILLER: THE MONICA WHITE STORY is based on a true story. Monica (Lela Rochon) is a lovely preschool teacher with a gentle voice and a kindly demeanor. When her 18-year-old son leaves home for school, Monica faces post-divorce loneliness. Friends advise her to try online dating. Meanwhile, maladjusted sanitation worker Anthony (Jarod Joseph) is busy strangling women he's met online. He types all the right, flattering things to dating app newbie Monica. As soon as they meet, red flags arise, but Monica doesn't spot them. Will she be able to escape the danger she's in?
Is It Any Good?
This Lifetime offering provides little to no character development, which makes this murder story feel like a big yawn. Neither the script nor direction set up any real tension. Since we know the real Monica survived her relationship with a killer long enough for her story to be told, there isn't much to involve the viewer here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Anthony's claim that he doesn't know why he has done some "bad" things. How do you think killers with mental problems should be treated by the law?
What are some ways to stay safe online when you are connecting with strangers?
Do you think dating apps pose a risk to one's safety? What are some other ways to meet people?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 14, 2026
- Cast : Lela Rochon , Jarod Joseph , Trezzo Mahoro
- Director : Elisabeth Rohm
- Studio : Lifetime
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 8, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate