The Craigslist Killer

On screen, The Craigslist Killer reimagines the Philip Markoff case through the perspective of a woman drawn into his orbit. A bright medical student at Boston University, he projects charm and competence to classmates while hiding a brutal pattern of violence against women he lures with online ads. The film traces the tension between his outward success and the danger he poses, showing how deception can hide behind a polished facade. Grounded in a real crime, the story avoids sensationalism and focuses on trust, manipulation, and the consequences for those who cross his path. It builds momentum as a romance blinds others to warning signs and shows how choices ripple through a close circle of friends and families for viewers.

Directed by Stephen Kay, the movie adapts a true life case with screenplay by Stephen Tolkin and Donald Martin. It premiered on Lifetime in 2011 and stars Jake McDorman, Agnes Bruckner and Candice Patton, with a grounded, no frills approach.

As a television film, it did not report a traditional box office gross. There are no widely cited earnings from theatrical release, since the project largely aired on cable television and was produced for TV audiences around the country nationwide.

There are no major awards or nominations listed for the project reflecting its status as a television event rather than a prestige feature. It did not compete in theaters or high profile category ceremonies, and it largely exists as a cautionary true crime adaptation for familiar TV audiences across networks.

Critical responses tend to note the film's restrained tone and its focus on impacts rather than sensationalism. The story raises themes of trust, secrecy, and the danger of appearances, highlighting how a credible surface can mask dangerous intentions while leaving victims and families to cope with aftermath for viewers nationwide.