Monster: The Ed Gein Story Review: The Ed Gein Story isn’t your average “grab popcorn and chill” Netflix watch. It’s heavy, disturbing, and at times, straight-up stomach-turning. But that’s also what makes it fascinating.
If you’ve been following the Monster anthology, you already know what I’m talking about. The first one — Dahmer — was dark, brilliant, and emotionally draining. The second, the Menendez Brothers, had their own punch. And now, the third — The Ed Gein Story — takes things to a new level of psychological horror.
My Rating: 3.5/5
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Monster: The Ed Gein Story |
| Genre | True Crime, Psychological Horror, Thriller, Drama |
| Based On | The real-life crimes of Ed Gein |
| Series | Netflix’s Monster Anthology (Season 3) |
| Director | Max Winkler and Ian Brennan |
| Main Cast | Evan Peters, Richard Jenkins, Cooper Koch |
| Number of Episodes | 8 Episodes |
| Runtime per Episode | 50–55 minutes each |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Language | English |
About the Monster Anthology
Netflix’s Monster anthology is basically a deep dive into America’s most infamous killers, one season at a time. What sets it apart isn’t just the brutality but how it humanizes monsters without glorifying them.
The first season, Dahmer made us question empathy. The second, The Menendez Brothers, focused on motive and trauma. Now, The Ed Gein Story shows where pure horror began, because Ed Gein was the blueprint for Hollywood’s most terrifying characters.
Who Was Ed Gein?
Ed Gein wasn’t just a murderer. He was an obsession for horror filmmakers. His crimes inspired Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs.
This man turned his farmhouse into something beyond nightmares, using human remains for lampshades, furniture, and even clothing. The show doesn’t sugarcoat it, and that’s exactly why it hits so hard.
Plot Overview of Monster: The Ed Gein Story
The story tracks Ed’s descent from an isolated man with mommy issues to a full-blown killer lost in his delusions. Across eight episodes, the series walks us through his childhood trauma, obsession with corpses, and his twisted version of “love.”
Each episode peels another layer off his psyche, how religion, loneliness, and repression created a monster society didn’t see coming.
Episode Breakdown
There are eight episodes in total, and yes, it’s a slow burn. Don’t expect constant action or jump scares. Instead, it crawls under your skin.
The Hindi dubbing (if you’re watching it that way) is surprisingly good, but be warned — this is not a show to watch with family. There are disturbing visuals, adult scenes, and psychological breakdowns that stay in your head long after the credits roll.
My Viewing Experience
I was hyped for this one. Dahmer set the bar high, and I wanted to see how Netflix would tackle Ed Gein’s insanity. And to be fair, it didn’t disappoint.
From the first episode, you realize you’re in for something grim. It’s haunting, slow, and deeply unsettling. But that’s the whole point, it’s not supposed to entertain you. It’s meant to crawl inside your mind and make you sit with the discomfort.
What Works in Monster: The Ed Gein Story
The biggest win? The atmosphere.
The production team nailed the eerie Midwest feel, foggy nights, creaky houses, and silence that feels like it’s watching you.
The lead actor’s portrayal of Ed is genuinely disturbing, subtle, broken, and unpredictable. You can’t help but feel disgusted yet oddly sympathetic at times. That’s masterful acting.
Also, the psychological exploration is solid. Instead of showing gore for shock value, it digs into why he did what he did, which makes it scarier.
The Disturbing Brilliance
This show isn’t scary because of blood or screams. It’s scary because it feels real.
There are moments that’ll make your stomach churn, not from violence, but from realization.
It’s one of those series that make you question your curiosity: Why am I still watching this?
But then again, that’s the mark of a good psychological thriller. It messes with your mind without throwing a knife at the screen.
Major Flaws of Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Here’s the thing: the show isn’t perfect.
The biggest flaw? The pacing. It’s painfully slow at times. Some episodes feel like they’re dragging scenes just to stretch tension.
Then there’s the narrative jumping. The constant back-and-forth between Ed’s story and the “movies inspired by him” gets confusing. One moment, you’re in the real story, and the next, you’re suddenly watching a fictionalized film scene. It breaks immersion.
The makers should’ve focused entirely on Ed first, then explored his cinematic legacy later.
The Real vs. The Reel
I get what they were trying to do: show how Ed Gein’s crimes shaped horror cinema. But the execution feels messy.
The transitions between real-life events and their movie counterparts are jarring. You often find yourself wondering, wait, is this real or from the movie?
Still, for true-crime and horror geeks, this meta-layer adds another level of fascination.
Why It’s Not for Everyone
Let me be blunt — not everyone’s going to enjoy this.
If you’re into fast-paced thrillers, skip it. If you’re looking for psychological dissection, you’ll love it.
This show demands patience. It’s built for people who appreciate tension, discomfort, and complex storytelling, not casual viewers who want quick dopamine.
Performance and Characterization of Monster: The Ed Gein Story
The actor playing Ed Gein deserves major credit. His subtle shifts, from innocence to mania, feel authentic. You can see trauma dripping from every expression.
The supporting cast does a fine job, too, especially the ones portraying his mother and victims. They make the world feel eerily believable.
Direction and Screenplay of Monster: The Ed Gein Story
The director deserves applause for maintaining the tone. Every frame feels deliberate, cold, haunting, and empty, like Gein’s own soul.
But the screenplay struggles at times. The constant detours to movie scenes disrupt the flow. If that was tightened up, this could’ve easily been the strongest Monster season yet.
Final Thoughts About Monster: The Ed Gein Story
By the end, I sat there, half-horror, half-impressed. The Ed Gein Story isn’t easy to digest, but it’s worth watching if you have the stomach for it.
It’s psychological horror at its purest, slow, brutal, and emotionally exhausting. Personally, I’d rate it 7.5/10.
Not perfect, but undeniably haunting.
Also Read: Good Boy Review — The First Haunted House Horror Told Through a Dog’s Eyes
Good & Bad Monster: The Ed Gein Story
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| Incredible acting and psychological realism | Way too slow in parts |
| Deep character exploration | Confusing timeline jumps |
| Disturbing yet meaningful tone | Over-explored movie parallels |
| Excellent production and sound design | Not suitable for a wider audience |
| Emotionally haunting | Requires patience to finish |
Conclusion
So, should you watch Monster: The Ed Gein Story?
If you loved Dahmer and don’t mind slow-burning, dark psychological horror, then yes, go for it.
But if you want quick thrills or a binge-worthy weekend watch, this will feel like a chore.
It’s not about entertainment; it’s about experience. The kind that lingers long after the screen goes black.
FAQs About Monster: The Ed Gein Story
1. Is The Ed Gein Story based on a true story?
Yes, it’s inspired by the real-life crimes of Ed Gein, one of America’s most infamous killers.
2. Do I need to watch the previous Monster seasons first?
No, each season is standalone. You can watch them in any order.
3. How many episodes are there in Monster: The Ed Gein Story?
There are eight episodes, each roughly 50–55 minutes long.
4. Is it suitable for family viewing?
Absolutely not. The content is disturbing and graphic; watch it alone.
5. Where can I stream it?
You can stream Monster: The Ed Gein Story exclusively on Netflix.