The latest series in Ryan Murphy’s Monster anthology, focusing on infamous killer Ed Gein, has been criticised for its lack of morality and gleeful depiction of depravity. Starring Charlie Hunnam as Gein, the show delves into the life of the man who inspired characters such as Norman Bates, Buffalo Bill and Leatherface, but reviewers argue it offers little beyond sensationalism.
While the series is structurally and stylistically strong, with clever interweaving of past and present narratives, it fails to provide any moral dimension or commentary. Instead, it lingers lasciviously over Gein’s crimes, including grave robbing and murder, and even incorporates a substantial strand about Nazi atrocities, seemingly without justification.
The show attempts to elicit sympathy for Gein, portraying him as a man at the mercy of his mother and a would-be girlfriend. However, critics argue that this approach is unforgivable, especially given the current climate of antisemitic violence. Unlike previous Murphy productions such as The People v OJ Simpson, which offered insightful commentary, The Ed Gein Story appears solely interested in exploiting a lesser-known true crime story.
