ed gein review

The recent TV series "Monster: The Ed Gein Story" (2025) recounts the life and crimes of Ed Gein, a notorious American serial killer and grave robber whose story inspired iconic horror characters like Norman Bates in "Psycho." The show explicitly depicts gruesome details of Gein's crimes, including his acts of killing two women and making trophies from their skin, as well as his psychological torment, especially his obsession with his mother. The performance of Charlie Hunnam as Gein is well-regarded for capturing his haunted and peculiar nature. However, reviews of the series note significant flaws. Critics describe it as overly graphic, disjointed, and sometimes campy, with a drawn-out narrative that tries to link Gein's story to other serial killers and explore broader themes like mental health and the fetishization of violence. The series has been criticized for its excessive focus on gore and portrayals that sometimes feel exploitative or shallow, despite its ambition to examine the cultural fascination with serial killers. In summary, while "Monster: The Ed Gein Story" delivers a detailed and intense look at the infamous killer with strong performances, it has polarized viewers and critics for its graphic content, narrative choices, and thematic execution.