'Monster': Ed Gein-Centric Season Sparks Debate with Critics and Viewers
The latest season of the Netflix anthology series "Monster" has taken a dark turn, sparking debate among critics and viewers about its portrayal of serial killer Ed Gein. The third installment in the series, which premiered on Friday, has earned 12.2 million views in its first week, securing the No. 2 spot on the streaming platform's charts.
Critics have been vocal about their disappointment with the season, citing a sensationalized approach to the true-crime story. The season currently holds a 20 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but its audience score more than doubles that, at 54 percent. "It's a monster of a show, but not in a good way," said Emily Nussbaum, a film critic for The New Yorker. "The show's attempt to humanize Ed Gein falls flat, and the result is a shallow, exploitative portrayal of a serial killer."
However, some viewers have defended the show, arguing that it provides a necessary look at one of America's most notorious killers. "I think the show does a great job of exploring the complexities of Ed Gein's psyche," said Sarah Jones, a fan of the series. "It's not just about the crimes he committed, but also about what drove him to do so."
The season stars Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein, a murderer known for killing women and wearing their skin and faces. The show is based on real events, with some creative liberties taken to enhance the storytelling.
Background research has shown that Ed Gein's crimes were particularly heinous due to his use of body parts to create clothing and accessories. His actions led to the creation of the term "Ed Gein-like" to describe serial killers who engage in similar behavior.
The show's creators, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, have faced criticism for their previous seasons' handling of true-crime stories. The first two seasons, which focused on Jeffrey Dahmer and the Lyle and Erik Menendez brothers, were accused of sensationalizing the crimes and exploiting the victims' families.
As the debate surrounding "Monster" continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the show will impact public perception of Ed Gein's crimes. The season is currently available for streaming on Netflix, with no official word on a potential second season.
In related news, Netflix has announced plans to increase its focus on true-crime content in the coming months, sparking concerns about the platform's commitment to responsible storytelling.
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