Upcoming Season of Monster Explores Ed Gein
After delving into notorious murderers over the past few decades, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan are taking the franchise to new heights. The next installment of Monster will focus on Lizzie Borden, followed closely by a season centered around Ed Gein. Gein, who committed a series of gruesome murders in Wisconsin during the 1940s and 1950s, has had a lasting impact on the horror genre, influencing filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock.
Opening Shot: A picturesque farmhouse blanketed in snow, viewed through the doors of a nearby barn.
Key Scenes: In an early scene, Ed Gein, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam, tends to cows and collects milk in a rather unsettling manner. He then ventures to another house, peering into a girl’s bedroom.
Back home, Ed’s mother, Augusta (Laurie Metcalf), calls out for him, catching Ed in a vulnerable moment. Her reaction is harsh, filled with religious condemnation and threats of shame for his behavior. “Woman is a sin,” she rages, declaring that he won’t marry or “spill his seeds.”
Ed harbors feelings for Adeline Watkins (a character portrayed by Susanna’s son) and they bond over dark topics, including a shocking photograph from a concentration camp. They both express morbid fascination with the Nazis. Adeline even gives Ed a comic book titled “Buffenwald’s Bite,” which references Ilse Koch.
Things take a dark turn when Ed’s older brother, Henry (Hudson Oz), confronts him. Ed reacts violently, striking Henry in a moment that turns fatal. In a surreal twist, Ed imagines Henry is still alive, seemingly taken over by guilt and the horror of his actions.
Augusta suffers a stroke, and Ed, in a grotesque act, tends to her, giving her a sponge bath. But even as she lies weakened, she insists on dealing with rent collection from a former farmer, which doesn’t quite go as planned. Ed continues to hear her voice, compelling him toward eerie acts.
Show Comparisons: This latest season of Monster is the third, following narratives about figures like Jeffrey Dahmer. This season showcases Ed Gein, whose horrific actions inspired films such as Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Analysis: Although Ed Gein might not be as recognizable today, his crimes in the mid-20th century heavily influenced horror cinema. Future episodes will feature portrayals of Alfred Hitchcock and his collaborators. This unique approach sheds light on Gein’s darker fantasies and the way they transgress into pop culture. While unsettling, it’s a fascinating exploration for the Monster franchise.
Gein’s past events occurred in a time when media representation of crime wasn’t as prevalent, making Hunnam’s depiction all the more eerie. It’s an unsettling experience, especially in scenes where he interacts with women.
Interestingly, while Ed shows interest in Adeline, his relationship with Augusta remains dominant. Metcalf’s portrayal brings a terrifying depth, particularly evident when she lashes out at Ed about his girlfriend. It’ll be intriguing to see how Augusta continues to influence Ed from beyond the grave.
Ed’s fantasies around Ilse Koch filter through his disturbed mind, showcasing an unsettling perspective on events. Though some depictions of genocide feel jarring today, they add complexity to Ed’s narrative. One can only hope these aspects remain thoughtful and not overused.
Final Thoughts: Overall, it seems worthwhile to stream Monster: The Story of Ed Gein. The series endeavors to introduce viewers to less known figures in serial killer history, while also examining their substantial impact on horror films.
