Netflix’s “Monster” anthology returns with its most culturally significant subject yet in “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” Following the stories of Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, this third season, helmed by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, delves into the life of the unassuming Wisconsin farmer whose gruesome crimes became the unlikely blueprint for Hollywood’s most iconic horror villains.
The Man Who Inspired the Monsters
The series introduces us to Ed Gein, portrayed with unsettling precision by Charlie Hunnam. Far from his “Sons of Anarchy” persona, Hunnam embodies Gein as a reclusive, mild-mannered man living on a decaying farm in 1950s Wisconsin. The genius of the opening episodes lies in their slow burn. The first five minutes masterfully establish a pervasive sense of unease; even a simple act like milking a cow feels off-kilter, foreshadowing the horrors to come.
The narrative quickly establishes the core of Gein’s fractured psyche: his deeply twisted and domineering mother, Augusta, played by a terrifying Laurie Metcalf. The show posits that it’s this toxic relationship, combined with extreme isolation and mental anguish, that propels Gein from a lonely recluse into the “Butcher of Plainfield.”
A House of Horrors Revealed
The first two episodes meticulously chart Gein’s descent. Episode 1 reveals his first kill, a moment that acts as a point of no return, shattering his already fragile grip on reality. The horror is as much psychological as it is physical, focusing on the warped morality that allows him to justify his actions.
By Episode 2, the series ventures into even darker territory. We see the full extent of Gein’s macabre hobbies: grave-robbing and fashioning household items and “souvenirs” from human remains. The show doesn’t shy away from the grim reality of his actions, making for deeply uncomfortable yet compelling viewing. Adding another layer to his disturbing character is his fascination with Nazi memorabilia, treated with a reverence that underscores his deviant worldview.
Beyond the Butcher: A Tapestry of Characters
The series smartly expands its scope beyond Gein alone. We are introduced to Adeline Watkins (Suzanna Son), a young woman who shares Gein’s morbid fascination with death and serves as his only confidante. Her character provides a crucial window into Gein’s isolated existence.
In a fascinating narrative choice, the show also introduces Alfred Hitchcock (Tom Hollander), depicting the famed director wrestling with the cultural shockwaves of Gein’s crimes and their direct influence on his seminal film, “Psycho.” This meta-commentary brilliantly illustrates how real-life terror seeps into and shapes our collective nightmares.
Verdict: A Disturbing Must-Watch for True Crime Aficionados
Having watched the first two episodes, it’s clear that “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” is every bit as dark as its predecessors. Charlie Hunnam delivers a transformative and fearless performance. In fact, Ryan Murphy shared his astonishment, noting that Hunnam never hesitated to tackle the script’s most challenging and dark material, fully committing to the horrifying portrayal.
Final Thoughts: This season is a masterclass in psychological tension and a chilling true-crime character study. It is intensely dark, deeply unsettling, and certainly not for the faint of heart. However, for fans of the genre and those fascinated by the intersection of true crime and pop culture, it is an unmissable and expertly crafted entry in the “Monster” anthology.
