Netflix's Monster: The Ed Gein Story – A Deep Dive into Horror's Real-Life Inspiration

By YEET Magazine Staff, YEET Magazine
Published October 4, 2025

“I wanted to get as close as possible to who Ed was.” — Charlie Hunnam, on portraying Ed Gein in Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story People.com

Keywords: Monster Netflix, Ed Gein movie, Charlie Hunnam, Ryan Murphy, true crime series, Netflix horror, Ed Gein story, serial killer documentary, Netflix new releases, true crime anthology

What Is Monster: The Ed Gein Story?

Released on October 3, 2025, Monster: The Ed Gein Story is the third installment in Netflix's true-crime anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. This season delves into the life of Ed Gein, a notorious figure whose gruesome actions in 1950s Wisconsin inspired iconic horror characters like Norman Bates in Psycho and Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Charlie Hunnam stars as Gein, with Laurie Metcalf portraying his domineering mother, Augusta. The series explores Gein's troubled upbringing, his complex relationship with his mother, and the dark path that led to his infamous crimes.

Cast and Characters

• Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein
• Laurie Metcalf as Augusta Gein
• Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock
• Olivia Williams as Alma Reville
• Suzanna Son as Adeline Watkins (a character whose historical existence is debated) The Economic Times

Behind the Scenes

Charlie Hunnam underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, losing 30 pounds to authentically portray Gein's appearance. Despite the dark subject matter, Hunnam described the set atmosphere as "joyous," attributing this to the cast and crew's shared dedication to their craft and the meaningful storytelling process People.com+1.

What Critics Are Saying

The series has garnered mixed reviews. Some critics praise Hunnam's performance and the show's exploration of Gein's psyche, while others find the portrayal sensationalized and lacking depth. For instance, Variety describes it as an "overly graphic rehashing," while The Guardian criticizes it as "depravity-loving" Variety+1.

Is It Worth Watching?

If you're intrigued by true crime stories and the origins of modern horror, this series offers a dramatized glimpse into Ed Gein's life. However, be prepared for intense and graphic content that may not be suitable for all viewers.

✅ What You Can Do Now

• Watch the Series: Stream Monster: The Ed Gein Story on Netflix.
• Read More: Explore articles and reviews to gain different perspectives on the show.
• Engage in Discussions: Join online forums or social media groups to discuss the series and its portrayal of Ed Gein.

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