Florence Terrorized by Il Mostro: Serial Killer's Dark Legacy Unveiled in Netflix Series

The Shadow of Florence: Stefano Sollima's Ominous Series "The Monster of Florence" Unveils the Dark Side of Human Nature In the narrow, winding streets of Florence, Italy, a sense of unease settles over the city like a shroud. For decades, a serial killer known as "Il Mostro di Firenze" (The Monster of Florence) has haunted the dreams of locals and tourists alike, leaving behind a trail of unsolved double murders that have become an eerie part of the city's folklore. Now, Italian genre specialist Stefano Sollima brings this dark chapter to life in his new Netflix series "The Monster of Florence," premiering at the Venice Film Festival. Sollima spent over a year delving into the case, pouring over police files and conducting extensive research to recreate the atmosphere of terror that gripped Florence from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s. The show's title is a nod to the alleged serial killer, who preyed on couples parked in secluded areas around the city, using a 22 caliber Beretta to claim eight lives. As I sat down with Sollima in a quiet café overlooking the Arno River, he spoke about his fascination with the case. "It's not just a story about a serial killer; it's an investigation of man and how he is a bearer of evil," he explained, his eyes locked intensely on mine. "The Monster of Florence is a metaphor for the darkness that lurks within us all." Sollima's passion project is more than just a dramatization of true events – it's a nuanced exploration of human nature, delving into the complexities of violence, trauma, and the psychological motivations behind such heinous crimes. "I wanted to understand why this person committed these atrocities," Sollima continued. "What drives someone to take another life? It's a question that has haunted me since I started working on the project." The series is set against the backdrop of 1970s Italy, a time of great social change and upheaval. The country was still reeling from the aftermath of World War II, and the wounds of fascism were still fresh. "Italy in the 1970s was a powder keg," Sollima noted. "The economy was struggling, and there was a sense of disillusionment among the youth. It was a time when anything seemed possible, but also when the boundaries between good and evil became increasingly blurred." Sollima's own background as an Italian filmmaker adds depth to his portrayal of the case. Born in Rome in 1971, he grew up surrounded by the city's rich history and culture. His experience working on gritty TV hits like "Gomorrah" and films such as "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" has given him a unique perspective on the darker aspects of human nature. "The Monster of Florence" is not just a crime drama; it's an immersive experience that draws viewers into the world of 1970s Italy. Sollima's attention to detail is meticulous, from the costumes and sets to the music and cinematography. The result is a hauntingly beautiful series that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. As I left our conversation with Sollima, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me. The Monster of Florence may be a relic of the past, but his legacy lives on in the shadows of Florence's streets. Sollima's series is a powerful reminder that evil can take many forms, and that it's always lurking just beneath the surface. "The Monster of Florence" premieres at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, September 5th, with all four episodes available to stream on Netflix shortly after. *Based on reporting by Variety.*