TED BUNDY: AMERICAN BOOGEYMAN: There Are Scarier Monsters Than This

Ted Bundy is one of the most notorious serial killers in the history of America. His brutal slayings spanning multiple states has not only fascinated and shocked scholars and authorities alike but has been the unyielding source of content for cinematic creations. In the last few years, there has been a deepening interest in the murders and the monster, Netflix documentaries, and a Netflix film starring Zac Efron renewing and adding to the content surrounding Ted Bundy. The latest induction comes in the form of Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman, from director Daniel Farrands.

More Bullet Point than Narrative

As the film begins, there is an almost Lifetime quality to both the filmmaking and the dialogue. As two young women bond over bad boyfriends and an adult-induced nostalgia of childhood, the film sets up its first kidnapping. As Ted Bundy (Chad Michael Murray) appears, he seems harmless, aided by the crutches he rests his weight on. As he calls for help to retrieve the keys he has dropped, as a viewer you wait in anticipation, holding your breath for the blow to the head you assume is sure to come.

Following the first kidnapping, the film dives into its opening credits, the score from composer Steve Moore feeling like a bad TV movie infused with 1980’s horror riffs – reminiscent of A Nightmare on Elm Street and a Halloween sequel. As Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman returns to the narrative, the angle of the film is to capture both the hunt and the chase. As we see Bundy take victim after victim, the film parallels the search to find him. Yet, what unfolds is a disjointed recap of the murders and the investigation.

The film lacks character development to welcome audience investment. It relies heavily on the notoriety of the murders and their monster, expecting the knowledge of viewers to carry the interest within the film. Furthering the lack of investment is the hash editing that lacks any fluidity expected of a narrative story. With its editing, it’s as if the filmmakers selected bullet points from the case, bringing them to life through separate scenes and sewing them together in a haphazard manner – seemingly a documentary brought to life.

Where is the Monster?

At this point, viewers know the story, no longer needing a play-by-play of events. Here, it should be the characters that should carry the film. American Boogeyman has plenty of characters to focus on and potentially develop but misses the mark and the opportunity. While the title suggests this should and is about Ted Bundy, the film missed an opportunity to deeply examine one of the investigators on the case, Kathleen McChesney (played here by Holland Roden). While the film touches on the importance of her character, it fails to lean into what could have severely elevated the film. She is not the only character underdeveloped either, the film’s leading killer leaving much to be desired.

I had seen Chad Michael Murray’s casually enticing take as a cult leader on Riverdale, a quietly menacing role that stands out within the series. When I saw his casting for Ted Bundy, I was intrigued, a potential similar personality alluring women to their death. Zac Efron had knocked it out of the ballpark with his portrayal in  Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, and I had high hopes for Michael Murray as well. Unfortunately, his performance falls flat, lacking credibility, especially when placed in a cinematic environment not conducive to success.

One of the most grimacing aspects of American Boogeyman sadly was the film’s dialogue. Weak, unrealistic, at times forced, and all too often painfully delivered, the dialogue robs the film of any of its authenticity the filmmaker and cast attempt to cling to. While at times it does find its redeeming moments, they are lost in a sea of misfires that can not be recovered from.

Conclusion: Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman

Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman does little to add to the cinematic legacy of both Ted Bundy and the subsequent investigation into his murders. While it attempts to deliver a new take, it weighs too heavily on the knowledge of viewers, filling in with poor dialogue and character development to round out its narrative. While the notoriety of Ted Bundy may live on in infamy, Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman will not.

Have you seen Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman was released in theaters on August 16, 2021 and will be released on VOD on September 3, 2021. 

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