Netflix is teaming up with acclaimed producer Ryan Murphy for a bone-chilling new venture into the world of true crime horror. The streaming giant is developing "Monsters," an anthology series that will explore the twisted lives of history's most notorious figures, beginning with the deeply disturbing case of Ed Gein.
The Real-Life Horror That Inspired Cinema's Greatest Monsters
Ed Gein, often referred to as the "Butcher of Plainfield," remains one of America's most infamous killers whose gruesome crimes in the 1950s Wisconsin countryside went on to inspire some of horror cinema's most enduring creations. His macabre practices of exhuming corpses and creating artifacts from human skin and bones directly influenced the creation of Psycho's Norman Bates, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre's Leatherface, and The Silence of the Lambs' Buffalo Bill.
A Creative Powerhouse Behind the Project
The series has attracted top-tier talent, with horror auteur Osgood Perkins signed on to write and direct the Gein installment. Perkins, son of Psycho star Anthony Perkins, brings a unique hereditary connection to the material and has established himself as a master of atmospheric horror through films like The Blackcoat's Daughter and Gretel & Hansel.
Ryan Murphy, fresh from his success with Netflix's "Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story," continues his exploration of America's dark underbelly. The Dahmer series became one of Netflix's most-watched shows, demonstrating the public's fascination with deeply psychological horror rooted in real events.
What to Expect from the Gein Chapter
While specific plot details remain under wraps, insiders suggest the series will delve deep into Gein's isolated upbringing by a domineering, religious mother and his subsequent descent into madness. The exploration promises to be both psychologically complex and deeply unsettling, examining how a quiet, unassuming man became one of horror history's most influential figures.
The anthology format of "Monsters" suggests that following the Gein installment, viewers can expect similarly deep dives into other infamous figures who have captured the public's morbid curiosity and influenced popular culture.
Continuing Netflix's True Crime Dominance
This project represents Netflix's continued investment in high-profile true crime content that blends historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling. With Murphy's proven track record for creating watercooler television and Perkins' horror expertise, "Monsters" is positioned to become the next must-watch series for true crime enthusiasts and horror fans alike.
The collaboration marks another significant project in Murphy's overall deal with Netflix, further solidifying the streaming platform as a home for prestige horror content that pushes boundaries while exploring the darkest corners of human nature.
