Netflix recently released “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” a series exploring the life of real-life serial killer Ed Gein. Ryan Murphy crafted this narrative, which stars Charlie Hunnam as Gein. Set in the 1950s, the show illustrates Gein’s gruesome crimes in rural Wisconsin, where he murdered and mutilated several women.
Key Characters and Cast
- Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein
- Addison Rae
- Lesley Manville
- Suzanna Son
- Laurie Metcalf
- Tom Hollander
- Vicky Krieps
- Olivia Williams
- Joey Pollari
- Tyler Jacob Moore
- Charlie Hall
- Will Brill
- Mimi Kennedy
- Robin Weigart
Critical Reception
The series has received mixed reviews. Currently, it holds a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a 55% audience score.
Notable criticisms include:
- The Guardian: 1 out of 5 stars – described the show as “nothing but a voyeuristic pandering to the basest instincts of viewers.”
- The Times: 1 out of 5 stars – called it “a dive into psychosexual murk almost drowning in its own ambitions and depravities.”
- RogerEbert.com: 1.5 out of 4 stars – labeled it as one of the most unfocused of Murphy’s productions.
- Variety: Critiqued the series for making Gein “mythical again,” stripping away essential texture and grit.
- Collider: Described it as “pulpy and sloppy,” blaming sensationalism and misinformation.
Influence on Horror Culture
Ed Gein’s horrific actions in life inspired several iconic horror films, including “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Psycho,” and “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” His story continues to haunt our cultural imagination, reflected in this series.
For those interested in true crime, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” offers a controversial yet captivating perspective on one of history’s infamous figures.
