The Bone-Chilling True Story Behind Netflix’s ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’

The latest installment in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Monster anthology is now available to stream on Netflix, and this time it delves into the chilling story of Ed Gein. Known for inspiring horror films like Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Gein’s gruesome killings still send shivers down our spines.

Charlie Hunnam, who portrays the killer in the series, underwent a significant physical transformation to embody the role. He shared that rather than focusing solely on Gein’s actions, the team delved deeper into the why behind his disturbing behavior. Exploring Gein’s complex relationship with his mother was a crucial aspect of preparing for the role, revealing the depth of his twisted psyche.

Ed Gein, also known as the “Butcher of Plainfield,” was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1906. Growing up on a farm with a controlling mother who instilled a deep-seated hatred of women in him, Gein’s childhood was marked by isolation and psychological trauma. After the tragic deaths of his father and brother, he was left alone to care for his ailing mother, whose passing left him adrift and obsessed with macabre subjects.

In 1957, the disappearance of Bernice Worden led authorities to suspect Ed Gein, who had a romantic interest in her. Evidence, including a receipt found in her store addressed to Gein, pointed towards his involvement. This discovery ultimately led to the unraveling of Gein’s horrific crimes, including the mutilation of bodies and grave-robbing, exposing the depths of his depravity.

As you immerse yourself in all eight episodes of Monster: The Ed Gein Story, you’ll uncover the spine-chilling tale of a killer whose twisted actions continue to fascinate and terrify audiences.