I Am Not a Serial Killer (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place in a small, quiet Midwestern town marked by unease and secrets. A central location is the local funeral home, where the protagonist John Wayne Cleaver assists his mother and aunt. The funeral home serves as both a backdrop for the protagonist's dark humor and the setting where he grapples with death while investigating the murders.

• setting
• small town
• funeral home
• midwest

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues like bullying and mental health. The story unfolds in a present-day context where teenagers navigate complex social dynamics, and the fascination with serial killers resonates with current media portrayals of violence.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern era

The movie explores three major themes: identity, family and loss, and monstrosity. Identity focuses on John's journey navigating his sociopathic tendencies while seeking self-understanding. Family and Loss examines the complex bonds between John and his mother amid danger. Monstrosity questions what it means to be a monster, exploring the fine line between empathy and evil through the juxtaposition of John's dark tendencies with the actual killer's actions.

• themes
• identity
• family
• loss
• monstrosity
• meaning

Identity is central to John's journey as he navigates his sociopathic tendencies while seeking to understand himself. His interactions with death and violence provoke deep introspection, highlighting his struggle between the darkness within and his desire for normalcy. The film shows how identity can be shaped by external circumstances and internal conflicts.

• identity
• self-discovery
• psychology
• sociopathy

The theme of monstrosity is explored through comparing John's dark tendencies with Mr. Crowley's actual monstrous actions. The film questions what it means to be a monster in society, as both characters embody elements of humanity and horror. This invites viewers to contemplate the fine line between empathy and evil, and whether one's dark thoughts make them comparable to those who act on them.

• monstrosity
• monster
• evil
• humanity
• psychology

John Wayne Cleaver is the protagonist, a troubled teenager with a fascination for death who understands his own sociopathic tendencies. He vacillates between dark humor and introspection, making him a complex character. His quest for identity leads him to investigate a series of murders while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy and confront his deepest fears.

• john wayne cleaver
• protagonist
• main character
• sociopath

Mr. Crowley is John's mysterious neighbor whose sinister nature becomes pivotal to the investigation. He embodies the darker elements within the story and serves as the catalyst for John's moral dilemmas. The relationship between John and Crowley reveals complexities of human nature and the struggle between empathy and self-preservation.

• mr crowley
• neighbor
• antagonist
• villain

April is John's mother, who operates the family funeral home. She represents the link to normalcy in John's chaotic life, embodying love and care despite being unsettled by her son's dark humor and interests. Her relationship with John and their shared experiences handling death shape the emotional core of the story.

• april cleaver
• mother
• family
• funeral home

The funeral home serves as both the literal setting and a symbolic backdrop for the story. It is where John grapples with death daily, which fuels his dark fascination while also providing him with an understanding of mortality. This setting creates a stark contrast to the peaceful small-town exterior, representing the hidden darkness beneath the community's surface.

• funeral home
• setting
• symbolism
• death

The film has a dark tone reflecting the grim subject matter of serial killings and sociopathy, but it is tempered by the protagonist's self-awareness and dark humor. The overall mood is suspenseful and psychologically intense, with a bittersweet quality to the ending. Despite the heavy themes, the presence of John's sardonic perspective adds moments of dark comedy.

• tone
• mood
• dark humor
• suspense
• atmosphere