Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes

TV review by Polly Conway, Common Sense Media
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Common Sense says

age 15+

Serial killer docu is detailed, focuses on sexual violence.

Netflix Reality TV 2022
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age 14+

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes is a docuseries about the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. It features interviews with journalists, lawyers, and police, as well as archival taped footage and reenactments of scenes with Dahmer and his victims. There's frequent discussion of murder, sexual violence, necrophilia, and sexual deviance, as well as detailed descriptions from Dahmer himself about his crimes.

What's the Story?

CONVERSATIONS WITH A KILLER: THE JEFFREY DAHMER TAPES focuses on the dozens of hours of recorded conversation the serial killer had with defense attorneys, local Milwaukee journalists, and police detectives. The participants also recount their experiences with Dahmer and his crimes. Archival footage includes video and photography from the scene of the crime, Dahmer's apartment, and clips from his childhood.

Is It Any Good?

Hearing Dahmer's confessions in his own voice and words is disturbing but also feels somewhat mundane here. Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes is heavy on talking heads, all of whom matter-of-factly relate their knowledge of the case. It's interesting to see the effect of Dahmer's story in a pre-social media world; news reports were the main way information was disseminated. Dahmer himself speaks openly and frankly about his crimes, which he readily confessed to in 1991. True crime completists may find this must-see viewing, while others may find it salacious and unnecessary.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the draw of documentaries like this one. What is interesting about true crime?

  • Do you think this series respects the victims of Jeffrey Dahmer? Why, or why not?

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