Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story gives viewers something to chew on

There are many layers to unpack with Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story from the streaming service Netflix. It is one of the better offerings from gay show runner Ryan Murphy and he needed it after releasing the abysmal American Horror Story: NYC in the same year.

Many viewers completely avoided this horrific tale about the cannibal because of the graphic subject matter while some only made it through a few episodes. Those that lasted the entire 10 episodes were rewarded with some justice and retribution by the end.

Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer was a serial killer involved in the slaying of 17 men between 1978 and 1991. His story turns into a tale about killing gay minorities, cannibalism and police failure.

Murphy and Ian Brennan have curated and cobbled together Dahmer's history by unveiling it through different perspectives and time jumps over the course of the series.

The cast gives strong performances of tough material, throughout the season and episode six surrounding a model named Tony is especially heartbreaking. Evan Peters doesn't look like Dahmer, but works hard to show this complex character's human side. Out actress Niecy Nash breathes life into the neighbor role of Glenda Cleveland with a standout performance grounded in realism.

This is the first season for Monster with other possible subjects in the future from the Murphy team. It's a good start to a series that should continue to explore the demon within many people and how it their environment brings a monster to life.

Stream Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on netflix.com for a fascinating character study that doesn't provide easily digestible answers.