Series about serial killers not only offer exciting entertainment, but also deep insights into the psychological background of the perpetrators.
Dahmer – Monster: Netflix series about a serial killer (2022)
Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's haunting true-crime miniseries explores the shocking crimes of American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
- Dahmer murdered a total of 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991 – not only did he commit murders, but he was also involved in rape, mutilation, cannibalism and necrophilia. The series shows in detail his approach and the psychological aspects of his behavior.
- What is particularly noteworthy is that the series not only depicts the murders themselves, but also focuses on the stories of the victims.
- In ten episodes, “Dahmer – Monster” also addresses the systemic failure, particularly through Dahmer’s neighbor, “Glenda Cleveland,” whose attempts to get help were ignored by the authorities.
- Reception was mixed; While many viewers praised the acting and found the series gripping, there were also critical voices regarding the depiction of violence and the handling of sensitive topics.
German Crime Story: Gefesselt (2023)
This German series deals with one of the most gruesome criminal cases of the 1990s. It was released on Amazon Prime Video on January 13, 2023 and offers a gripping narrative about the so-called “Acid Barrel Murderer”.
- It tells the story of Raik Doormann (Oliver Masucci), whose life goes into a downward spiral after the collapse of his industry. In order to raise money for his dream of a life in Costa Rica, he kidnaps his former teacher's partner and demands a ransom of 300,000 German marks.
- The story is told from the perspective of Inspector Nela Langenbeck (Angelina Häntsch), who investigates resistance in her environment and ultimately uncovers Doormann's crimes.
- “German Crime Story: Tied Up” is inspired by the true crimes of Lutz Reinstrom, who kidnapped, tortured and murdered several women between 1986 and 1991. After the murders, his victims were dismembered and their remains dissolved in vats of acid.
- Viewers appreciated the exciting narrative and the critical examination of the social structures of the time.
Serial Killer: The Serpent (2021)
The British true crime series tells the captivating and dark story of serial killer Charles Sobhraj, who was active on the so-called Hippie Trail in Asia in the 1970s. It was released on BBC One and Netflix.
- The plot follows Sobhraj (Tahar Rahim), who travels with his girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman), drugging, robbing and murdering Western tourists.
- While disguised as a gem dealer, he becomes the prime suspect in a series of murders, prompting the investigation of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle), who attempts to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearances.
- The series is based on real events and highlights both Sobhraj's actions and the challenges faced by the investigators.
- Particularly noteworthy is the stylistic implementation and the complex narrative of “The Serpent”, which is characterized by jumps in time and different perspectives.
- In addition to Rahim and Coleman's acting performances, critics praised the series' visual aesthetics.