In the new Netflix series Monster: The Ed Gein Story, actor Charlie Hunnam delivers a chilling performance as the infamous serial killer. But he wants audiences to do more than just be scared; he wants them to question the very nature of evil and their own role in watching the story. The series, which debuted on October 3, 2025, is the latest installment in producer Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology.
Hunnam suggests that the real monster might not be the man who committed the crimes, but the culture that turned his atrocities into entertainment. He asks if the true monster is Ed Gein, the filmmakers who sensationalized his acts, or the viewers who watch the show.
Becoming Ed Gein: A Physical and Mental Transformation
To play the part of Ed Gein, Charlie Hunnam went through a significant physical and mental transformation. He lost nearly 30 pounds in just three weeks to match Gein’s thin frame. He also worked to perfect Gein’s high-pitched, childlike voice, a choice he developed after listening to a rare, hard-to-find audio recording of the real killer.
Hunnam explained that the voice was an affectation Gein created to please his demanding mother. He described the process as trying to find the man behind the monster, focusing on Gein’s humanity rather than just his horrific actions.
“I had to understand him. I didn’t have to like him, but I had to try to find my own sense of the truth,” Hunnam said. “I ended up not feeling protective of Ed, but protective of my perception of who he was.”
During the entire filming process, Hunnam stayed in character, even when the cameras stopped rolling. He described this as a way to maintain the intense focus needed for the role. To say goodbye to the character after filming ended, he visited Ed Gein’s grave as a final way to leave the part behind.
The Story of a Killer and a Question for the Audience
Monster: The Ed Gein Story explores the life of the Wisconsin serial killer whose gruesome crimes in the 1950s became the inspiration for classic horror characters like Norman Bates in Psycho, Leatherface in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs.
The series shows how Gein, a reclusive farmhand, was driven by a toxic relationship with his mother, Augusta Gein, played by Laurie Metcalf. After her death, his mental state deteriorated, leading to murder and grave-robbing. The show suggests that Gein, who was later diagnosed with schizophrenia, never received the psychological help he needed.
The season doesn’t just focus on the crimes. It also includes meta-commentary on how Gein’s story influenced pop culture, with storylines featuring Tom Hollander as filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and Joey Pollari as actor Anthony Perkins.
A key character in the series is Adeline Watkins, played by Suzanna Son. She is depicted as Gein’s only friend and a corrupting influence who encourages his dark behavior. The show presents her as an audience surrogate—someone fascinated by the macabre, who gets close to evil but feels no empathy for the victims.
A Conversation About Morality and Entertainment
The series has sparked conversation about the ethics of true crime entertainment. Some critics argue the show leans into exploitation, presenting graphic violence while simultaneously judging its audience for watching it. One review pointed out that the series seems to hold contempt for the millions of viewers who make such shows popular.
This aligns with the questions Hunnam is raising. He does not sympathize with Gein, but he encourages viewers to look deeper into the story of mental health and the societal forces that create a “monster.”
“We must identify the real monster in this situation,” Hunnam has said. He asks whether the monster is Ed Gein, the “legion of filmmakers” who sensationalized his crimes, or the viewer at home.
The show’s creators have stated their goal was not to glorify Gein’s actions but to understand them. Ian Brennan, the show’s writer, said the aim was to give a “real deep dive” into an “important touchstone of the 20th century.”
A Strong Debut for a Controversial Season
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the series has proven popular with viewers. In its first three days on Netflix, Monster: The Ed Gein Story was watched for 12.2 million views, securing the number two spot on the platform’s English-language TV chart.
The cast also includes performances from Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville, and Olivia Williams. The season is now streaming in its entirety on Netflix.
Also Read: Monster: The Ed Gein Story – Know All About The Real People Behind Every Character
Credits: Netflix Tudum
