Nerdly » ‘Confessions of a Serial Killer (2020)’ Review

19th Aug2025

‘Confessions of a Serial Killer (2020)’ Review

by George Thomas

Stars: Brendan Sexton III, Dominique Swain, DMX, Steve Stanulis, Jack Scalia, James Russo, Dan Zagarino, Aly Mang | Written by John Bianco | Directed by Steve Stanulis

Confessions of a Serial Killer, aka Chronicle of a Serial Killer, written by John Bianco and directed by Steve Stanulis, is a gritty dive into the disturbed psyche of a man haunted by his past and propelled toward violence. Featuring Dominique Swain, Brendan Sexton III, DMX, and Jack Scalia, the film attempts to explore the chilling reality of a serial killer’s mind, but it’s a complex narrative that doesn’t always hit its intended marks.

From the outset, the film presents a raw and unvarnished portrayal of its troubled protagonist. Brendan Sexton III delivers a committed performance as the serial killer, balancing the character’s menace with a glimpse of vulnerability. The writing allows us to see the layers behind his violence—an interplay of trauma, rage, and alienation, but the script occasionally struggles under the weight of its ambition, leading to some uneven pacing and moments that feel more expositional than organic.

Dominique Swain brings a grounded intensity to her role. Her scenes add emotional depth and human complexity amidst the darker thematic material, providing a counterbalance to Sexton’s brooding menace. DMX’s presence is notable, not just for his star power but for his raw charisma that energises several pivotal scenes. Though his role is somewhat limited, he leaves a lasting impression.

Steve Stanulis’ direction attempts to blend a neo-noir sensibility with a grim psychological thriller framework. The film’s visual style favours shadowy, claustrophobic interiors and urban decay, reinforcing the bleakness of the killer’s world. However, the atmosphere sometimes overshadows character development, making the narrative feel more like a mood piece than a fully fleshed-out story. The tension builds steadily but occasionally slips into predictability, and the film’s pacing suffers as a result.

The supporting cast, including Jack Scalia, rounds out the world with characters that help flesh out the killer’s interactions and motivations, though none are given quite enough screen time to fully resonate. The script’s dialogue often leans toward the heavy-handed, which can pull viewers out of the moment rather than deepen immersion.

What Confessions of a Serial Killer excels at is its unflinching look at darkness and desperation. It’s not a film that glamorises violence or tries to justify its protagonist’s actions. Instead, it provides a stark and uncomfortable portrait of a man lost to his demons. Yet, in trying to say so much about trauma, morality, and fate, the film occasionally loses narrative cohesion and emotional clarity.

Ultimately, Confessions of a Serial Killer is a flawed but intriguing entry in the serial killer genre. Fans of character-driven psychological thrillers will find moments of genuine intensity and thought-provoking material, even if the film doesn’t fully realise its potential. It’s a sombre reminder that the human capacity for darkness is often wrapped in complexity, but sometimes the storytelling needed to illuminate that complexity falls just short.