Wrexham University: Criminology mini-series to analyse true crime portrayals in media
Wrexham University is hosting a free mini-series next month that examines how some of the world’s most notorious killers are portrayed in film and television.
The sessions, titled ‘Lights, Crime, Action!’, will run from Monday 4 August to Thursday 21 August at the University’s Plas Coch campus in Wrexham.
Academics from the Criminology and Criminal Justice department will lead discussions on serial killers Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, Aileen Wuornos, and Alfredo Ballí Treviño, exploring how media representations compare to real-life events.
Dr Tegan Brierley-Sollis, Lecturer in Policing, Criminology and Trauma-Informed approaches, said: “The sessions will be focussed on the public’s fascination of serial killers in our society – it’s a big business now in the culture industry, due to the film portrayals, television series and documentaries, that many people watch in their own time.
“During the series, we will be looking at those media depictions of the perpetrators but also comparing them to what happened in real life. We will also be taking time to acknowledge the victims of these crimes, which sometimes get unfortunately overlooked, due to the notoriety of the killers.
“I’d encourage anyone with an interest in true crime or considering a career in criminal justice to come along to the sessions. They’re free to attend and open to anyone over the age of 18.”
The first session on Monday 4 August will focus on Ted Bundy, examining the Netflix film ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ and how it glamorises the serial killer known for murdering at least 30 women in the 1970s.
Dr Brierley-Sollis said: “How Bundy presented himself in court is fascinating to watch, because a lot of people commented on his charm and looks, and said they thought he was innocent. His trial was public and, when prompted, onlookers dubbed his crimes scary but still passed comment on his appearance.
“Once Bundy was found guilty, the judge even said he would have made a terrific lawyer and that he would’ve loved to have had him practice before his court.”
The following session on Thursday 7 August will explore cinema’s portrayal of cults, focusing on the 2018 film ‘Charlie Says’, about Charles Manson and the women he brainwashed to commit mass murder.
On Monday 18 August, the series will look at the depiction of Aileen Wuornos in the film ‘Monster’, discussing the portrayal of female serial killers and those who do not fit the ‘Ideal Victim’ narrative.
The final session on Thursday 21 August will examine Alfredo Ballí Treviño’s representation in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, addressing media exaggeration and predatory portrayals of serial killers.
All sessions run from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the Plas Coch campus, are free to attend, and open to anyone aged 18 or over.
More information and booking details are available at https://wrexham.ac.uk/visit/subject-events/
The sessions also align with themes from the BA (Hons) Criminology & Criminal Justice degree at Wrexham University, which is accepting applications for September 2025.
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