The Real Horror Behind Netflix’s Monster
Ed Gein’s gruesome crimes and lasting influence take center stage in the series’ most disturbing chapter yet.
Just in time for spooky season, Netflix has returned with another deeply unsettling entry in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology. This time, the focus shifts to one of the most disturbing figures in American true crime: Ed Gein.
The new season, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, premiered on October 3 and quickly became one of the most talked-about releases of the year. Following previous seasons that explored Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, this third installment digs even deeper into the darkness—blending history, psychology, and horror in a way that’s both fascinating and deeply uncomfortable.
Across eight chilling episodes, the show reconstructs the twisted life of a man whose crimes inspired some of Hollywood’s greatest nightmares, from Psycho to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. But unlike earlier seasons, this one isn’t just about crime—it’s about the roots of obsession, control, and loneliness.
It asks why a man who lived in a quiet Wisconsin town could become the blueprint for generations of fictional killers. With a powerful cast that includes Charlie Hunnam, Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, Lesley Manville, and Vicky Krieps, Monster: The Ed Gein Story turns real-life horror into psychological storytelling that’s as eerie as it is emotional—the kind that lingers long after the final episode fades to black.
"MONSTER: The Ed Gein Story, Official Teaser, Netflix "
Ed Gein: The Man Behind the Monster
Hunnam’s transformation into Ed Gein is chilling, both physically and emotionally. Gein was born in 1906 in Wisconsin and lived a quiet, isolated life until his mother died in 1945.
What followed would become the stuff of nightmares. He began robbing graves, using human remains to make household items and clothing. His crimes escalated with the murders of tavern owner Mary Hogan in 1954 and hardware store owner Bernice Worden in 1957—the latter’s disappearance leading to his arrest.
Though Gein confessed to two murders, authorities suspected more. He was eventually declared insane and committed to a mental institution, where he remained until he died in 1984. His disturbing legacy went on to inspire Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs.
NetflixAugusta Gein: A Mother’s Control
Laurie Metcalf plays Augusta Gein, Ed’s overbearing mother, whose religious fanaticism shaped his warped worldview. She viewed women—apart from herself—as sinful, corrupting influences. Her constant judgment and manipulation left deep psychological scars on her sons.
Show co-creator Ian Brennan said casting Metcalf was a no-brainer:
“She’s a theatre goddess. When you have someone like her, half your job is done.”Hunnam shared that Augusta’s cruelty was often masked as devotion.
“In her more hostile moments, she’d say, ‘I should have castrated you at birth,’” he recalled.It’s this twisted mother-son bond that anchors the show’s most haunting moments.
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Adeline Watkins: The Kindred Spirit
Suzanna Son, known for Red Rocket, plays Adeline Watkins—one of the few people who shared Gein’s fascination with death. Adeline is portrayed as both a companion and an enabler, guiding him deeper into obsession.
“Once they see certain things together, they can’t unsee them,” Brennan said.“They feed each other’s darkness.” Hunnam described Adeline as the only person, besides his mother, who offered Gein any form of connection—a toxic bond that accelerated his descent.
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The Impact of True Crime on Society
Dr. David Schmid, a professor of English at the University at Buffalo and author of 'Natural Born Celebrities,' emphasizes the cultural fascination with true crime narratives. He argues that these stories often reflect societal fears and moral dilemmas.
According to Schmid, our obsession with figures like Ed Gein can lead to a desensitization to violence, potentially skewing our perceptions of real-world crime. It's essential, he notes, to engage critically with these narratives to avoid glorifying the criminal and instead focus on the victim and the societal implications.
Understanding the Psychological Profile
Dr. Michael Stone, a forensic psychiatrist, outlines the psychological profile common among serial killers, including traits such as lack of empathy and manipulation. He explains that figures like Ed Gein often represent more than just monsters; they illustrate the darker aspects of human nature.
Stone advocates for a better understanding of these psychological patterns to create effective prevention strategies. His research suggests that identifying early warning signs in at-risk individuals, combined with targeted interventions, could reduce the incidence of similar crimes in the future.
Alfred Hitchcock: The Cinematic Thread
The inclusion of Alfred Hitchcock, played by Tom Hollander, might surprise viewers, but it’s one of the series’ most interesting subplots. It explores how Gein’s crimes influenced Hollywood itself, particularly Psycho, which drew direct inspiration from his story.
“There’s something fascinating about how Gein’s horror seeped into cinema,” Brennan noted. “That’s when it clicked—this wasn’t just about one man’s crimes, but how his story reshaped storytelling itself.”
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Ilse Koch: The Nazi Inspiration
Vicky Krieps portrays Ilse Koch, the “Beast of Buchenwald,” whose sadistic reputation reportedly influenced Gein’s fascination with body mutilation. Koch’s real-life crimes during the Nazi era—and her eventual imprisonment—are depicted as a nightmare within Gein’s imagination.
She serves as a symbolic figure, representing the kind of evil he idolized.
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Bernice Worden: The Final Victim
Lesley Manville takes on the role of Bernice Worden, the hardware store owner whose murder ultimately exposed Gein’s atrocities. Her death in 1957 ended his killing spree and revealed the full extent of his depravity.
Worden’s tragic story grounds the series in reality. It shows us that, beyond the sensationalism and cinematic gore, real people suffered because of one man’s madness.
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Experts in psychology, like Dr. Amy Cuddy, stress the importance of understanding the underlying psychological mechanisms that drive individuals toward horrific actions. Her work on the power of human connection suggests that societal alienation can lead to extreme behaviors.
Addressing these issues begins with fostering community and empathy. Programs aimed at improving social cohesion and mental health resources can prevent the isolation that often precedes such heinous acts. Integrating mental health education into schools may provide early intervention opportunities, potentially steering away at-risk individuals from paths of violence.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story isn’t easy to watch—nor is it meant to be. It peels back the layers of one of history’s darkest figures, showing how personal trauma, religious guilt, and societal neglect can combine to create a true monster.
By weaving together Gein’s story with his cultural impact, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan have created something that’s both horrific and reflective. The series doesn’t glorify him; it exposes the machinery of horror itself—how fascination with evil keeps it alive in memory and on screen.
The result is grim, disturbing, and unforgettable—a true-crime retelling that dares viewers to look at the monster, and then at themselves. Monster: The Ed Gein Story is now streaming on Netflix.
Analysis & Recommendations
The exploration of Ed Gein's life and crimes provides a chilling reminder of the complexities of human psychology. As Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a leading researcher in positive psychology, notes, fostering resilience and empathy in communities can counteract the factors leading to such horrific actions.
By focusing on mental health education and community support, we can work towards a society that not only recognizes the signs of distress but actively intervenes before tragedy strikes. Creating a culture of openness and understanding is crucial for preventing future horrors.
