Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story Faces Backlash for Hypocritical Themes

The newest season of Netflix’s true crime anthology, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” premiered on October 3. It chronicles the life of the infamous serial killer whose crimes inspired numerous horror films. The series stars Charlie Hunnam and Laurie Metcalf.

Initial critical reception, including analysis from The Hollywood Reporter, has been overwhelmingly negative. The show is being criticized for its narrative chaos and thematic contradictions.

A Messy and Ambitious Narrative Failure

The series attempts a Grand Unified Theory of Serial Killers, positioning Ed Gein as the origin point for all subsequent stories. It suggests the real monsters are the storytellers and audiences fascinated by such tales. This thesis, however, collapses under the weight of its own execution.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show dedicates excessive time to prurient scenes of Gein’s crimes. It simultaneously blames viewers for being entertained by the very content it graphically provides. This creates a glaring hypocrisy that undermines its entire message.

Broader Impact on the True Crime Genre

The series directly critiques other adaptations of Gein’s story, including “Psycho” and “The Silence of the Lambs.” It even takes aim at Netflix’s own “Mindhunter.” This meta-commentary fails to acknowledge the franchise’s own role in the genre it condemns.

For audiences, the final product is a confusing and laborious watch. The show’s contempt for its viewers is a recurring theme, making it an unengaging and frustrating experience that offers little new insight.

The debut of “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” represents a significant misstep for the franchise, delivering a thematically confused and hypocritical narrative that fails to justify its own existence.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the critical reception to Monster: The Ed Gein Story?

The critical reception has been largely negative. Reviews highlight a messy narrative and a hypocritical tone that condemns true crime fascination while reveling in its gruesome details.

How does this season compare to previous Monster series?

It shares some attributes with its predecessors but is considered a step down in quality. It lacks the standout episodes that defined earlier seasons like the one on Jeffrey Dahmer.

Who stars in the new Monster series on Netflix?

Charlie Hunnam plays Ed Gein, with Laurie Metcalf as his mother. The cast also includes Suzanna Son, Tom Hollander, and Vicky Krieps in supporting roles.

What is the main criticism of the show’s themes?

The main criticism is its hypocrisy. The series graphically depicts violent acts while blaming its audience and other filmmakers for being entertained by such content.

Why does the series mention other films like Psycho?

It uses these films to critique how Gein’s story has been adapted. The show argues these interpretations are exploitative, without recognizing its own similar tactics.