THE DATING APP KILLER: THE MONICA WHITE STORY
In a world of online dating, do you really know who you’re talking to?
Should You Watch It?
Some viewers may find this movie worthwhile, while others may choose to skip it for the violence alone. The main character, a Christian woman, approaches her ordeal with a positive, God-centered mindset. However, the story delivers a serious warning about the real dangers of dating strangers online. The presence of violence, sexual situations, and alcohol use may overwhelm many viewers.
Monica White seeks a stable relationship during a significant life change. A friend advises her to adopt a more promiscuous approach, focusing on excitement. The friend insists that she start dating online without guiding her on how to protect herself from emotional attachment before meeting a stranger.
This setup leads to a dangerous worst-case scenario, but the lessons learned still matter. The woman neglects to guard herself adequately, and her friend fails to ensure her safety. She focuses on the man's flaws, believes his lies, and overlooks the red flags. Nevertheless, she maintains the right expectations for a serious relationship, which ultimately saves her.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESMonica White cares for her students as a preschool teacher and practices her Christian faith devoutly. She recently divorced after a long-term marriage, and her 18-year-old son, Isaiah, is preparing to leave for military camp. She now faces loneliness that she doesn't expect, but she believes that all she needs is Jesus. Her best friend provides support but urges her to start online dating. After a disappointing date, she connects with a man on a dating app. She ignores all red flags and gives her heart away too quickly, putting herself and others in danger as it becomes clear that this man has darker motivations.
Is It Any Good?
This movie earns two stars for delivering precisely what viewers expect from a Lifetime thriller. The storyline is intriguing and tells a classic tale of modern women's dating fears, serving as a cautionary example of what to avoid in familiar scenarios. The movie effectively builds tension and excitement as the story unfolds, increasing suspense. However, the acting often feels flat despite the intense situations. Emotions escalate oddly during fight scenes, while other moments lack intensity.
Monica is portrayed as a devout Christian woman; however, her actions or lack thereof come off as surprisingly naive given the known dangers of online dating. The serial killer carries out his crimes with a level of recklessness. Additionally, the language, violence, sexuality, and nudity presented are mild concerning the subject matter, and the storyline frequently reverts to a Christian perspective. This approach offers an interesting take on a true crime narrative.
The Worldview
A strong Christian worldview emerges despite such a violent, negative premise. Monica shows true goodness: she practices devout Christian faith, serves actively in her church, and teaches preschool with real care for her students. She prays with her son, Isaiah, and thanks God while she prays for others.
As she enters a new stage of life, she can't face an empty house. Her best friend wants Monica happy again. She pushes Monica to date again, with good intentions, but she never warns her about online safety and hides her concerns from Monica until a problem arises.
Monica takes an old-fashioned approach to romance, hoping to find a true relationship rather than just a fling. She starts to talk with a man online; he stalks her and other women with murderous intent. An unstoppable evil drives him as he spins his lies and racks up his string of murders.
She ignores red flags, like the fact he skips a hotel reservation for his visit. Only after a relative shares an incident does she realize what she's done. Ultimately, the movie teaches Christian-centered principles and portrays Christianity in a positive light. Still, the graphic violence, disturbing murder scenes, and careless depictions of online dating pile up fast, and the immoral content simply outweighs the good.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
A strong Christian worldview despite the violent premise. The main character shows goodness: serves her church, teaches preschool, and prays daily with her son. She turns to online dating at her best friend's urging but ignores red flags with the man she meets, who hides murder behind lies. Features Christian-centered principles and portrays faith in a positive light
Foul Language
Five obscenities including two “OMG” obscenities, three including “sh**” and one “b" word
Violence
A man chokes women to death in several scenes. Hand of a dead body being moved in a shopping cart
Sex
Several scenes where a couple kiss heavily. Someone is tied up under the guise of a sexual situation
Nudity
No nudity
Alcohol Use
Many scenes with social drinking. Friends often drink to relax, discuss drinking, and frequent bars. Blind dates at bars. Family party with drinking
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drug abuse;
Miscellaneous Immorality
A serial killer who lies and deceives about a romantic interest to murder women in cold blood, taking advantage of their good intentions.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
This true-crime story shows how a dangerous predator can hide behind a polite, charming, and "normal" mask, much like Scripture warns that darkness can disguise itself as light 2 Corinthians 11:14
Monica's doubts lead her to avoid and excuse any red flags as she begins her new dating life and ends up in mortal danger. How do unhealed wounds make people vulnerable to manipulation? Galatians 1:10
Monica noticed early warning signs. Yet, she chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. How can Christians balance the biblical call to show kindness and hospitality with the crucial need for godly discernment and self-protection? Proverbs 4:23
The Final Word
THE DATING APP KILLER: THE MONICA WHITE STORY delivers a cautionary tale: a newly divorced, empty-nester woman meets and dates a serial killer online. This violent thriller carries a strong Christian worldview, teaches positive lessons, and warns viewers about the dangers of online romance through an exciting premise. Still, the pacing and acting fall short.
