Picture this: A brand-new Netflix series dives into the twisted life of one of America's most notorious real-life monsters, only to face a barrage of scathing reviews that make you wonder if it's truly as dreadful as everyone says. Is 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story' the flop of the year, or are viewers missing something in their outrage? Let's unpack this together and see if the hype matches the horror.
For those just tuning in, Ed Gein was a notorious murderer and grave robber who terrorized rural Wisconsin back in the mid-20th century. His gruesome acts weren't just shocking—they inspired a whole wave of horror classics, from Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' to 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and even 'The Silence of the Lambs.' Unlike those fictional tales, Gein's crimes were all too real, rooted in isolation, mental illness, and a disturbing fixation on his late mother. It's the kind of story that could make anyone question the darkness lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.
Published on October 6, 2025, at 11:19 AM EDT and updated at the same time, this article explores whether Netflix's latest offering lives up to—or down to—the expectations set by its infamous subject.
So, is 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story' really as awful as the online mob claims? Let's break down the basics to get a clearer picture.
- Streaming Platform: Available exclusively on Netflix, the giant of binge-worthy content.
- Plot Overview: This series follows the chilling exploits of a serial killer, grave robber, and deeply disturbed individual. Set against the icy backdrop of 1950s Wisconsin, it portrays Eddie Gein as a seemingly harmless, reclusive farmer hiding unimaginable horrors in his dilapidated home. Fueled by loneliness, severe psychological issues, and an overwhelming attachment to his mother, Gein's atrocities created a new archetype of evil that echoed through Hollywood for generations. His legacy didn't just influence horror films—it essentially became the template for countless villains, sparking a societal fascination with the minds of the criminally insane. Think of it as the blueprint that shaped modern scares, from slashers to psychological thrillers.
- Cast: Headlined by Charlie Hunnam as Gein, with supporting roles from Laurie Metcalf, Suzanna Son, Tom Hollander, and Vicky Krieps.
- Release Date: Dropped on October 3, 2025.
- Creator: The visionary Ryan Murphy, known for hits like 'American Horror Story' and 'The Crown.'
- Source Material: Based on the documented crimes of the real Ed Gein, blending historical facts with dramatic interpretation.
'Monster: The Ed Gein Story' has been slammed as an absolute disaster by critics and fans alike. If you're unfamiliar with Ed Gein, he's the guy whose real-life horrors provided the inspiration for those blockbuster fright fests. His deeds were no Hollywood script—they were brutal, unsettling realities that left a mark on American culture.
That's why the anticipation for this Netflix series was sky-high when it premiered last Friday. Ryan Murphy, the mastermind behind so many addictive shows, had a goldmine of material here. With such rich, dark history to draw from, it seemed destined for success. But alas, the reception has been anything but triumphant.
The ratings tell a brutal story: A mere 29% approval from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and just 53% from audiences as of this writing. We're talking rock-bottom territory here— the kind of scores that usually signal a total trainwreck. You have to wonder, is it really that catastrophic, or is there more to the story?
'Monster: The Ed Gein Story' is Netflix's latest dive into true crime horror, spotlighting Ed Gein's horrific actions. (Image courtesy of Netflix)
I decided to check it out myself, watching the first episode over the weekend, and honestly, I'm scratching my head at all the fury. Is it a masterpiece? Absolutely not. It's not blowing anyone's mind with groundbreaking brilliance, but calling it terrible feels like a stretch. Sure, it might unravel as the episodes progress, but the opening was solid enough to hook me for more. One standout strength is how vividly it portrays the grim, isolated existence in 1950s Plainfield, Wisconsin—think endless winters, tight-knit communities, and the kind of quiet desperation that breeds nightmares. For beginners exploring true crime dramas, this helps paint a picture of how real historical settings can amplify the terror, making the story feel more immersive and relatable.
That said, there are some eyebrow-raising choices that stand out. First off, Charlie Hunnam's portrayal of Gein's accent is... well, let's just say it's distractingly off. It comes across as almost comical, like a caricature rather than a convincing depiction. And we know this because actual audio recordings of Gein's voice exist online, giving us a benchmark that's miles away from what we're hearing here.
Second, the show dives headfirst into a fascination with Nazis right from the start. As noted by The Wrap, it's speculated that Gein might have been obsessed with Nazis and concentration camps, but this has never been definitively proven. The series treats it as established fact, which raises questions about creative liberties in storytelling. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Ryan Murphy taking a bold risk by weaving in this unconfirmed theory, or is he sensationalizing history for shock value? This could be seen as a smart way to explore potential influences on Gein's psyche, adding layers to his character, or it might come off as irresponsible, blurring lines between fact and fiction in a way that distorts the real man's legacy.
Charlie Hunnam takes on the role of Ed Gein in 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story.' (Image courtesy of Netflix)
Despite these quirks, I genuinely can't fathom why the show is being demolished so mercilessly. It might spiral into chaos later on, but right now, it seems like the backlash is a tad overblown. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it's hardly the worst thing streaming right now. And this is the part most people miss: In a sea of overhyped series, sometimes a 'decent' show gets unfairly buried under hype and expectations.
If you're craving something truly exceptional, I recommend giving 'Task' a spin—it's a fresh take on suspense that might just hit the spot. Drop me your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. What do you think—does 'Monster' deserve the hate, or is it unfairly maligned? Do you agree that the Nazi angle is a bold choice, or does it cross into exploitative territory? Share your opinions in the comments; I'd love to hear if you're team 'overhyped flop' or 'underrated gem'!
