The Trailer for the New Jeffrey Dahmer Movie Will Creep You All the Way Out
A serial killer is born.
The first trailer for the upcoming Jeffrey Dahmer movie is here, and it's every bit as deeply unsettling as you expect. Adapted from the graphic novel of the same name, My Friend Dahmer looks to be more of an origin story than a straight true crime drama, following Dahmer (played by Disney Channel alum Ross Lynch) as a shy, alcoholic teenage misfit in the years before he became one of America's most notorious serial killers.
The trailer shows a teenage Dahmer as both an object of ridicule and low-key fear at his high school. "Jeff's a little off, y'know?" a fellow student hilariously understates, amidst flashes of Dahmer stalking a neighborhood jogger, embracing his burgeoning fascination with bones, and letting slip to a doctor that he has some mental health concerns.
"You seem healthy to me," the doc (played by Mad Men's Vincent Kartheiser) reassures him. "What about what's on a patient's mind?" Dahmer responds, and he has good reason to ask. Dahmer would go on to commit 17 murders between the years 1978 and 1991, many of them involving sexual assault, dismemberment, necrophilia and cannibalism.
RELATED STORIES
As the title suggests, My Friend Dahmer was written by a teenage acquaintance of Dahmer's, John 'Derf' Backderf, who's played by Alex Wolff. The movie premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, and is due in theaters later this year.
If you're yet to read up on the beyond-horrifying details of Dahmer's crimes, this is one of the darkest and most compelling Wikipedia rabbit holes you can go down. Proceed at your own peril.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Emma Dibdin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who writes about culture, mental health, and true crime. She loves owls, hates cilantro, and can find the queer subtext in literally anything.
-
Do Your Stressed Winter Skin a Favor and Invest In Barrier Repair
14 expert-approved products for soothed, glowy skin, ahead.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter Season
It's time to add some hydration to your routine.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV Series
Could this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Scariest Paranormal Movies of All Time
Bring on the jump scares.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Jessie Andrews Finds Her Power in Constantly Rebranding Herself
The 'Love Bomb' star and fashion entrepreneur speaks to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Best Romance Movies You Need to See in 2025
From a new 'Bridget Jones' film to several heartwarming queer rom-coms.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Best Drama Movies to Look Forward to in 2025
We're already marking our calendars for these highly-anticipated dramas coming soon.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Is 'The Brutalist' Streaming? Here's How to Watch the Award-Winning A24 Film
If its Golden Globe wins are any indication, we'll be hearing more about the A24 drama throughout awards season.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Demi Moore Celebrates First-Ever Major Award Win at the 2025 Golden Globes as a "Marker of My Wholeness"
After 45 years in the industry and a producer told her 30 years ago she was only "a popcorn actress," the star took home a trophy.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Best Horror Movies You Need to See in 2025
Here are the buzzy A24 projects and sequels, including 'M3GAN 2.0,' that you need to see.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Everything to Know About the 2025 Golden Globes, From How to Watch the Awards Show to the Nominees
Awards season has officially begun!
By Quinci LeGardye Published