Before Jeffrey Dahmer became a notorious serial killer, he was a shy, alcoholic teen who never quite fit in. Based on Derf Backderf’s critically acclaimed 2012 graphic novel, and written for the screen and directed by Marc Meyers, My Friend Dahmer is the haunting and sad true story of Jeffrey Dahmer in high school.

Jeffrey Dahmer murdered 17 men and boys in the American Midwest, becoming one of history’s most infamous serial killers. This is the story before that story. Jeff (Disney Channel’s Ross Lynch) is an awkward teenager struggling to make it through high school with a family life in ruins. He collects roadkill, fixates on a neighborhood jogger (Vincent Kartheiser, “Mad Men”), and copes with his unstable mother (Anne Heche) and well-intentioned father (Dallas Roberts). His bizarre behavior at school attracts unexpected friends, a group of band-nerds who form The Dahmer Fan Club, headed by Derf Backderf (Alex Wolff, “Patriots Day”).  But this camaraderie can’t mask his growing depravity. Approaching graduation, Jeff spirals further out of control, inching ever closer to madness.

Anne Heche has just been tapped for NBC’s upcoming pilot ‘The Brave’ opposite Mike Vogel. She will  star as Patricia, the head of operations for the Defense Intelligence Agency. Additionally, the actress can soon be seen in several films including indie feature, “Catfight”  starring alongside Sandra Oh, military thriller, “Temple” starring with Wesley Snipes, and “The Last Word”, a comedy starring alongside Amanda  Seyfried and Shirley MacLaine.

Author Derf Backderf is the bestselling author of the graphic novels My Friend Dahmer, Trashed, and Punk Rock & Trailer Parks. His books have been translated into ten languages and won a host of  awards. He was born in Gimli, Manitoba, and now lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Movie Trivia

My Friend Dahmer was filmed in Jeffery Dahmer’s actual childhood home in Bath, Ohio. Revere High school he went to was going to be used for the movie as well, but the school rejected the offer.

The screenplay for this film was featured in the 2014 Blacklist, a list of the “most liked” unmade scripts of the year.

After 18 hours of filming, main character Ross Lynch would take a shower for 30+ minutes and just think about his dark role that he’s portraying.

Along with his successful acting career, Lynch is the lead singer of the Hollywood Record’s recording group R5, that continues to sell out shows around the world.

My Friend Dahmer is directed by Marc Meyers and stars Ross Lynch, Anne Heche, Dallas Roberts, Alex Wolff, Tommy Nelson, and Vincent Kartheiser. It opens November 10th in the following markets: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal,, after having it’s world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year.

Official Website

Trailer

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca