I Am Not a Serial Killer

A police officer discusses a horrific finding with his partner on a quiet street in town. An ambulance is parked nearby as EMTs struggle to load a covered body onto a stretcher, horrifying onlookers who witness the bloody condition of the victim.

As the police vehicle drives away, young John Wayne Cleaver approaches the police officers and inquires about the gruesome discovery. His detached remark, 'Well, he's dead for sure,' reveals his nonchalant attitude towards death, setting a chilling tone for his character.

John arrives home, which also serves as the local funeral home, where he assists his mother, April, and his aunt, Margaret. They discuss the deceased man, and John jokingly observes that they will profit from the death, highlighting his dark sense of humor amidst the adults' discomfort.

In his room, John grapples with his identity and practices social skills while pondering his true nature. This moment of introspection provides insight into his struggle as he prepares for his darkly curious investigations.

At school, John faces backlash from Principal Layton regarding his report on the infamous BTK killer, Dennis Rader. The principal warns him about the dangers of being overly curious about death, foreshadowing John's descent into darker territories.

John sits with his friend Max in the cafeteria, where he encounters bullying from Rob Anders. In a tense moment, John struggles to repress his violent urges while critically examining his sociopathic tendencies, showcasing his inner conflict.

During a therapy session with Dr. Neblin, John reveals his self-awareness concerning his fascination with death. Despite recognizing the unsettling nature of his thoughts, he attempts to articulate his feelings, deepening the viewer's understanding of his internal struggles.

Intrigued by a girl named Brooke, John finds himself increasingly fixated on his mysterious neighbor, Mr. Crowley. This obsession intertwines with his curiosity about the sinister events unfolding in the town, showcasing his complicated desires and impulses.

During a Halloween party, John navigates typical teenage social dynamics while his dark reflections intensify. In an unexpected confrontation, his chilling honesty surprises his peers, demonstrating the danger of his heightened self-awareness regarding his sociopathic traits.

As John's investigations deepen, he begins to connect Mr. Crowley to the increasing number of homicides in town. This realization propels him into a dangerous pursuit of understanding the killer’s motives and actions.

In a climactic confrontation, John inadvertently compels Crowley to reveal his monstrous form. Caught between empathy and survival, John faces an intense moral dilemma regarding his mother's safety as Crowley threatens her life.

Realizing that he can take control of his destiny, John confronts Crowley in a harrowing standoff. This revelation exposes the complex interplay of humanity and monstrosity within John as he wrestles with his identity and those he loves.

As the film reaches its conclusion, John reflects on his journey filled with love, loss, and the acceptance of his dark thoughts. He grapples with the consequences of human actions, shaping his understanding of empathy amidst the chaos.

In a poignant moment, John prepares his therapist for burial, mixing the grim reality of life and death with his characteristic dark humor. He remarks wryly about the disloyalty of seeking another therapist post-loss, leaving viewers with a bittersweet reflection on his journey.