My Father, the BTK Killer (2025) Review

A review of the documentary.

The documentary My Father, the BTK Killer offers a deeply personal and emotionally raw perspective on one of America’s most notorious serial killers, told through the eyes of his daughter. It’s an undeniably brave act for her to step into the spotlight and share her story, especially given the unimaginable burden of being related to someone responsible for such horrific crimes. Her vulnerability is palpable throughout the film—she often avoids eye contact with the camera, her voice subdued, her demeanor heavy with grief. It’s clear that this process is not just storytelling, but a form of emotional excavation.

What stands out most is the psychological toll this legacy has taken on her. In an age where social media can be both a lifeline and a battlefield, it’s hard to imagine the strength it takes for her to engage publicly, knowing the internet can be cruel and unforgiving. The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing her struggle, and in doing so, it humanizes the collateral damage left in the wake of BTK’s crimes. Her father’s refusal to offer meaningful insight during their interview feels like a final act of emotional cowardice—he remains elusive, withholding, and eerily detached, even when confronted by his own daughter.

While the film succeeds in offering a unique lens into the aftermath of violence and the long shadow cast by familial trauma, it doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of content. For viewers familiar with the BTK case, much of the material may feel like a retread. The documentary’s strength lies more in its emotional resonance than in its investigative depth. It’s a powerful story, but one that might leave some wondering whether its existence adds to the broader understanding of the case or simply reopens wounds.

Ultimately, My Father, the BTK Killer is less about the killer himself and more about the people left to pick up the pieces. It’s a sobering reminder that the consequences of violence ripple far beyond the headlines, and that healing—especially in the public eye—is a complicated, courageous journey.