Monster: The Ed Gein Story Review – Disturbing, Stylish, and Self-Indulgent

Monster: The Ed Gein Story Review – Disturbing, Stylish, and Self-Indulgent

Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story, produced by Ryan Murphy, explores the life of one of America’s most infamous killers. The series delves into Ed Gein’s twisted upbringing, starring Charlie Hunnam as the socially awkward Wisconsin farmhand and Laurie Metcalf as his domineering, religious mother, Augusta Gein.

The production design is exceptional, capturing the dusty, oppressive 1950s Midwest with creaking floorboards, fading wallpaper, and an unsettling atmosphere that amplifies the show’s chilling tone. Hunnam’s portrayal of Gein balances childlike vulnerability with terror, while Metcalf delivers a masterclass in emotional manipulation and religious fanaticism.

However, Murphy’s signature style blends horror with melodrama. The series oscillates between exploring Gein’s fractured mind and presenting stylized gore, shadowy hallucinations, and theatrical dialogue, leaving the tone inconsistent at times.

Fact versus fiction is another point of contention. The series takes creative liberties, inventing relationships and embellishing crimes, which may frustrate viewers familiar with the historical case. Pacing issues also emerge, with lingering focus on Gein’s trauma and isolation slowing narrative momentum.

Despite its flaws, Monster: The Ed Gein Story is compelling, confronting society’s fascination with real-life monsters while offering visually striking, morbidly engaging storytelling. It’s a psychological horror wrapped in a morality tale, stylish but sometimes exhausting.

Rating: 3/5 stars

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