Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman (2021)

Directed by: Daniel Farrands | 110 minutes | crime | Actors: Chad Michael Murray, Holland Roden, Jake Hays, Lin Shaye, Greer Grammer, Olivia DeLaurentis, Julianne Collins, Gianna Adams, Dashiell Connery, Anthony De Longis, Sky Liam Patterson, Gabrielle Haugh, Asante Jones, Diane Franklin, Jo Beth Locklear Alice Prime, Leslie Stratton, Marietta Melrose, Alexandra Scott, McKenna Alvizo, Fivel Stewart, David Hill

Serial killers continue to appeal to the imagination. Take Ted Bundy. This man caused death and destruction in the 80s and, thanks to his charming appearance, managed to become a celebrity. While he was on trial for the most horrific murders, dozens of women swooned before him because he was so articulate and charming. His handsome appearance and controlled manner of speech stood out. These are not qualities you would ascribe to a murderous maniac. Already in the eighties there was a film about Bundy and also at the beginning of this century there were thrillers about the serial killer. After a recent Netflix documentary and a sensational film on the same streaming service, director Daniel Farrands decided that another film about the death row villain could be added. Enter ‘Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman.’

Just to get straight to the point: this film was not supposed to be! Farrands is mainly interested in Bundy’s atrocities – which have been featured in countless films for many years – and less in the psyche of this deranged man. Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman is a sensational thriller set to resuscitate the career of fallen star Chad Michael Murray. That won’t work, because despite this man’s solid acting, this film never rises above the gray average. There is no reason to watch this production.

This film was made to feast on brutal killings and mutilations. The fact that a true history is used for this, gives this film a raunchy edge. Some attention is paid to the police work that preceded Bundy’s arrest, but this is done so half-baked that it doesn’t last. ‘Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman’ is a cheaply made TV movie that has little to say.

For more insight into the mind of a serial killer or the impact of a murder on a community, look further. If you want to see brutal murders that were committed in real life and that families of the victims suffer to this day, this is your thing.