Reel Review Mom

Omg, omg, OMG…….

Okay, I am freaking out — in the best way possible — because Netflix just dropped the new true-crime documentary My Father, The BTK Killer, and it feels like it was made for me. As someone who’s spent years studying human behavior (hello, Bachelor’s and Master’s in Psychology!) and advocating for better understanding of the criminal mind, this is exactly the kind of dark, fascinating rabbit hole I love diving into…

For those unfamiliar, BTK (which stands for “Bind, Torture, Kill”) is Dennis Rader — one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. But what makes this documentary stand out isn’t just the retelling of his crimes. It’s told through the heartbreaking yet powerful perspective of his daughter, Kerri Rawson, who’s bravely sharing her story of discovery, trauma, and resilience. Netflix has really stepped up its true-crime game here — it’s raw, emotional, and incredibly well put together.

As someone obsessed with the psychology behind criminal behavior, I’m endlessly fascinated by what drives people like Rader. Was it nature? Nurture? Trauma? This has sparked a lifelong debate…. Is a serial killer born this way or were they steered in that path by their upbringing…. AND, the dual-life aspect alone — loving father by day, cold-blooded murderer by night — is something straight out of a case study, and a theme not commonly repeated by serial killers. Aside from Ted Bundy and several others…. I find myself dissecting every interview, every photo, every word, trying to piece together how a mind like his works. I’ve come to the conclusion that no one can ever really understand the human mind. We are a complex machine, fueled by memories and brief moments of chaos that define us and shape us into the people we become the legacy we leave behind. Kind of sad, really.

So yes, I’m clearing my schedule, turning off my phone, and fully locking in for this one. If you’re into true crime, psychology, or just crave a deep, well-crafted docuseries that will make you question how well we ever really know anyone — My Father, The BTK Killer is a must-watch.

Random thought….  How amazing it would have been if Jack Nicholson had played BTK in an autobiography/movie…. Oh my God!! *shivers*