Netflix’s Gruesome New Chapter in the Monster Franchise
Netflix has released Monster: The Ed Gein Story, and the reaction has been as chilling as its subject. Starring Charlie Hunnam as the infamous American murderer, the series revisits the horrifying true story of Ed Gein, whose crimes inspired Hollywood classics like Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. But unlike the groundbreaking first season that chronicled Jeffrey Dahmer’s life, this new chapter has left many critics cold.
With a 45 percent critic score and 64 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Ed Gein Story marks the weakest entry yet in Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology. Many viewers have called it overly theatrical and emotionally hollow, arguing that it focuses more on gruesome imagery than meaningful storytelling.
From Dahmer’s Success to Gein’s Struggle
When Netflix first launched Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, it became a global phenomenon, shattering viewership records while also drawing backlash for its graphic retelling of real-life events. The second installment, centered on John Wayne Gacy and other notorious figures, failed to replicate that cultural impact. Now, with The Ed Gein Story, it seems the series is again walking the fine line between true crime exploration and exploitation.
Critics have slammed the show’s heavy-handed approach, saying it relies on gore and shock to drive engagement. The narrative, they argue, lacks the psychological depth that could have made Gein’s story both horrifying and thought-provoking.
Charlie Hunnam’s Performance Wins Some Praise
Despite the polarising reception, one aspect that has received near-universal praise is Charlie Hunnam’s performance. Many viewers have called it one of his most transformative roles to date, describing his portrayal of Gein as unsettlingly convincing. Some fans even argue that Hunnam’s nuanced acting elevates the otherwise uneven writing, capturing the eerie blend of isolation, madness, and trauma that defined Gein’s real life.
The Franchise’s Ongoing Dilemma
Ryan Murphy’s Monster series continues to be a commercial powerhouse, drawing millions of viewers globally. Yet, its critical reception remains divided. The challenge for Netflix now lies in redefining the purpose of the anthology — should it continue dramatizing serial killers’ lives for entertainment, or evolve into a more introspective exploration of human darkness?
As the show’s creators gear up for the next installment, fans are demanding a shift in tone — less spectacle, more substance. Whether the series can recover its creative edge will determine its longevity in the true crime genre.
Streaming Success Amid Controversy
Despite mixed reviews, The Ed Gein Story remains one of Netflix’s most-watched shows this month. The global curiosity around Gein’s twisted legacy continues to fuel its success, even as debates around ethics and representation grow louder.
The Monster franchise has proven that audiences’ fascination with evil remains unshaken — but to stay relevant, Netflix must find new ways to tell these stories without relying solely on shock value.
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