I Am Not a Serial Killer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teen obsessed with serial killers discovers his elderly neighbor is a monster, so he has to use his ‘sociopathic tendencies’ (aka being really observant) to stop him, all while navigating high school and awkward small-town life.

🍿 I Am Not a Serial Killer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to John Wayne Cleaver

John Wayne Cleaver, a teenager in a small Midwestern town, is fascinated with death and serial killers. He’s diagnosed as a sociopath and follows a strict set of rules to keep his homicidal tendencies in check. John works part-time at his family’s funeral home, which only fuels his morbid interests. He is an outcast, often bullied at school, and struggles to connect with others.

A Series of Gruesome Murders

A series of bizarre murders rocks John’s town. The victims are found with missing organs, and a strange black sludge is present at each crime scene. Intrigued, John begins his own investigation, applying his knowledge of serial killers to try and identify the culprit. His research leads him down a dark and dangerous path, blurring the lines between his fascination and his potential to become a killer himself.

Suspicion Falls on Mr. Crowley

John’s investigation leads him to his elderly neighbor, Mr. Crowley. He notices strange behavior and a connection to the victims. John discovers Crowley is not who he seems. He has a dark secret and is connected to the recent killings. This discovery sets John on a collision course with a supernatural evil, forcing him to confront his own inner demons and the true nature of the killer.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Wayne Cleaver (Max Records): A troubled teenager, diagnosed as a sociopath, who investigates a series of murders in his small town while battling his own dark impulses.
• Mr. Crowley (Christopher Lloyd): An elderly neighbor who appears to be a kind man but is secretly a supernatural being who commits murders to sustain himself.
• April Cleaver (Laura Fraser): John’s mother who runs the local funeral home and struggles to understand and help her troubled son.
• Dr. Neblin (Karl Geary): John’s therapist who tries to help him manage his sociopathic tendencies and connect with his emotions.
• Kay Crowley (Dee Noah): Mr. Crowley’s wife, who is unaware of her husband’s true nature but loves him deeply.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Wayne Cleaver: “I’ve been clinically diagnosed with sociopathy, Rob. To me you are an object.” – John delivers this unsettling speech at the Halloween dance after being bullied by Rob, showcasing his struggle with his dark impulses.
• John Wayne Cleaver: “Those pictures gave me a therapist.” – Said in response to his friend Max expressing he has nightmares from the photos John had with his report on Jeffery Dahmer.
• Mr. Crowley: “You tried to kill me. I brought you a hat.” – Mr. Crowley utters this after killing the drifter who attempted to murder him, showcasing his dark humor and monstrous nature.
• Dr. Neblin: “You may be lacking in empathy John, but you should recognize a lifeline when it’s thrown at you.” – Dr. Neblin said this when John couldn’t admit he was following his mother because he was worried about her and the killings.
• Mr. Crowley: ““Tyger Tyger, burning bright, / In the forests of the night; / What immortal hand or eye, / Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”” – Mr. Crowley recites lines from William Blake’s “The Tyger” before his death, adding a layer of depth and meaning to his character.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €1,254,470
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $21,148

💥 I Am Not a Serial Killer Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into ‘I Am Not a Serial Killer.’ Max Records’ portrayal of John is captivating – you feel his struggle with his darker impulses. Christopher Lloyd’s performance is a revelation, balancing charm and menace perfectly. The blend of genres kept me guessing until the very end. The scene where John confronts Rob at the dance was so intense, and I loved the quirky humor sprinkled throughout. This movie stuck with me for days; it’s a must-see for anyone looking for something different and thought-provoking.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark, character-driven thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in stories that explore morality and mental health”
  • “Those who appreciate indie films with a unique blend of genres”
  • “Christopher Lloyd fans”
  • “Viewers looking for a movie with a compelling story and a creepy atmosphere”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gore (moderate)”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Themes of mental illness and sociopathy”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “A surprisingly effective blend of psychological thriller and supernatural horror, ‘I Am Not a Serial Killer’ features strong performances from Max Records and Christopher Lloyd, creating a compelling and unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
• N/A: “This movie is a slow burn, but stick with it! Max Records is fantastic as a teen battling his inner demons while tracking a supernatural killer. Christopher Lloyd delivers a deliciously creepy performance, making this an unforgettable indie gem.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were surprised and delighted by the unexpected twist into the supernatural.: Many praised the unique blend of genres and the performances of the lead actors.

Fans of indie horror appreciated the film’s slow-burn approach and atmospheric tension.: The film’s ability to create a creepy and unsettling mood was widely celebrated.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted, atmospheric, and genre-bending film that offers a fresh take on the serial killer trope. While the supernatural elements may divide some, most agree it’s a unique and engaging watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the first novel of the John Wayne Cleaver series by Dan Wells.”
• “Director Billy O’Brien worked for years to secure the rights to adapt the novel.”
• “The movie was filmed in Virginia, Minnesota, giving it a realistic Midwestern setting.”
• “Max Records, known for ‘Where the Wild Things Are,’ was chosen by the author himself because of his unique and peculiar acting skills.”

🖥️ How to Watch I Am Not a Serial Killer?

As of October 2024, “I Am Not a Serial Killer” is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. Consider checking your local library as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I Am Not a Serial Killer, you might like these similar films:

• Let the Right One In (2008): Both films explore dark themes through the lens of a troubled youth and feature supernatural elements within a bleak, small-town setting.
• Mr. Brooks (2007): Explores the duality of man and the internal struggles of a man with homicidal urges.
• Dexter (2006-2013): Showcases a protagonist with sociopathic tendencies who attempts to control them.
• The Good Son (1993): Features a young boy with sociopathic traits, leading to suspenseful and disturbing situations, similar to John’s internal struggles.

🛒 I Am Not a Serial Killer Related Products

• I Am Not a Serial Killer (John Cleaver, 1): The original novel by Dan Wells that inspired the movie. Explore John Wayne Cleaver’s world in even greater depth with this gripping and thought-provoking book.
• Christopher Lloyd Autographed ‘Back to The Future’ Photo: A piece of Hollywood history signed by the legendary Christopher Lloyd. A must-have for fans of his iconic roles.
• Serial Killer Trivia Game: Test your knowledge of notorious serial killers in this challenging and engaging trivia game. Perfect for true crime enthusiasts.
• 16mm Film Projector: Experience cinema in its purest form with a vintage 16mm film projector. Play I Am Not a Serial Killer to experience the movie from its original source.

🎧 Soundtrack

I Am Not a Serial Killer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “On Your Side” – performed by The Family Dog

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Lonely Depiction of a Sociopath

Ever wondered what makes a sociopath tick in movies? This video breaks down the film’s portrayal, even including insights from the director. I found it super interesting – definitely worth checking out if you’re curious about the deeper meanings!

✨ Rate