Dorothea – Movie Review (3/5)

DOROTHEA is a new thriller about a real serial killer, so we’re in true crime. She isn’t one of the most famous, but you may still have heard of her. Admittedly, I’m torn about the style of this one. It’s rather kitsch with dark humor. Read our full Dorothea movie review here!

DOROTHEA is the latest serial killer thriller about a real-life murderer. In other words, this is a true crime story, but it would probably be key to say “inspired by”. Not that facts aren’t at the heart of the movie, because they are (mostly), but there is a lot of “dramatization”.

And sure, this is always the case, but the kitsch tone of this one will not be for everyone. In fact, I’m not sure it was for me, but I acknowledge the quality of the production, and also that this was the choice of the filmmaker.

Continue reading our Dorothea movie review below. Find it in a limited theatrical release from October 31, 2025, and on VOD from November 4, 2025.

Death House Landlady

Oh yes, Dorothea Puente – the serial killer this thriller is all about – was dubbed the “Death House Landlady” by the newspapers when she was arrested in 1988. While she isn’t the most famous serial killer around, she is definitely one of the more infamous ones.

If her story sounds familiar, you may have watched the Netflix true crime anthology series Worst Roommate Ever. Dorothea was featured in the very first episode of the anthology. Obviously, because her story is one of the more remarkable episodes.

In this new thriller, we get the story as Dorothea herself lies dying in prison and wants her story to be written down. Having the serial killer tell their own story is an interesting choice, but it’s far from the only one.

We first hear about her life of abuse, which isn’t meant to be an excuse, but maybe an explanation. Then again, the abuse we witness is one she fights back against quickly and with fatal consequences for the abuser.

I don’t know that this part is all that fact-based, though. When it comes to the known victims, however, this movie does stick to facts.

A very peculiar style choice

As I’ve already mentioned, I am not crazy about the style choices of Dorothea. Especially having the murderer tell the story herself. I mean, she’s even breaking the fourth wall several times, speaking directly to us. Not to excuse anything, really, just to explain.

It did not sit right with me, but I acknowledge that this may be more about my personal preference than any quality marker. To be fair, the victims also get to speak directly to us viewers. Not much, but still, it’s a way to keep a focus on them as well, which I appreciate.

Still, I just cannot imagine I’d like this style if I knew any of the victims personally. I mean, we see both their murders and her grotesque way of dealing with the bodies of her victims.

I did think Susan Priver (Ed Kemper) did a solid job of portraying Dorothea in the style chosen for this movie. She was the younger (and murderous) landlady, while Pat McNeely (John Dies at the End) portrays the aging Dorothea telling her story from inside prison.

Also, in supporting roles, we see quite a few familiar faces. From Lew Temple (Becoming) and Brinke Stevens (Axeman at Cutter’s Creek) to Ginger Lynn (The Devil’s Rejects) and Brenda James (Slither).

Watch Dorothea on VOD

This is the second true crime serial killer thriller from writer and director Chad Ferrin (Night Caller). He also made the movie Ed Kemper, which I preferred in style to this one. Both come from Epic Pictures’ DREAD label, and the quality of both is solid.

While I like these biographical true-crime horror movies, the styles do vary quite a bit. That’s why I have no idea what to expect from the next movie, which will be about Richard Ramirez. However, I will definitely be giving that one a chance as well.

For me, Dorothea is a small 3 out of 5, but still a 3. Check it out for yourself to see what you think. I would have preferred that they change names and simply say it was inspired by, rather than make this a true crime thriller. But maybe that’s just me.

Dorothea will get a limited theatrical run beginning October 31 and be out on VOD on November 4, 2025.

Details

Director: Chad Ferrin
Writer: Chad Ferrin
Cast: Susan Priver, Lew Temple, Brinke Stevens, Ginger Lynn, Brenda James, Cassandra Gava, Cyril O’Reilly, Ezra Buzzington, Robert Miano, Brandon Kirk, William Salyers