Netflix's new series Monster: The Ed Gein Story has been heavily criticised as a morally dubious look at the grave-robbing murderer. The show, produced by Ryan Murphy, is the third season of the anthology series Monster, which previously focused on Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers.
Critics argue that the series, which examines the life of Ed Gein – who killed at least two people and stole bodies from graves – is exploitative and fails to give adequate attention to victims. Unlike the first season on Dahmer, which attempted to focus on those harmed, this season is described as a 'freak show' that dwells on Gein's bizarre behaviour without higher purpose.
The show's depiction of gender expression has also drawn concern. Early episodes are said to carelessly link gender queerness with deviance, though later episodes attempt to correct this by featuring trans icon Christine Jorgensen. However, critics note that the nuanced understanding comes too late after hours of problematic content.
Ryan Murphy's involvement has been singled out, with the series continuing a pattern seen in his other work of drawing a connection between queer identity and psychosexual torment. The performances, particularly those of Laurie Metcalf and Lesley Manville, are described as 'garishly outsized'.
The series stars Charlie Hunnam as Gein, alongside Laurie Metcalf as his domineering mother. The show attempts to argue that Gein's crimes – which inspired Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs – reflect a broader American cultural fascination, but critics find this justification unconvincing.
