Entertaining, but not truthful

Netflix’s latest hit series, “ The Monster “. Has already become the number one show on the platform. Capturing the attention of many around the world. The show’s unique approach to the horror genre, combined with the graphicness and crudeness, has sparked conversations both online and offline. The theme has been talked about a lot and people started to discuss and share their opinions on whether monsters are born or made. 

Monster follows the story of Ed Gein, one of America’s most disturbing serial killers. Better known as “ the Plainfield Ghoul “ Ed Gein haunted rural Wisconsin around the 1950’s, he is confirmed to have killed 2 women. Two killings may not be considered a serial killer however, he was a suspect in many different cases which people believed he committed but police never found out or solved them. 

The series starts by examining Ed Gein’s childhood. He was raised by a single mother who was deeply religious and strict. As a kid he experienced extreme isolation and was prohibited to make any type of social contact. This was portrayed as a key factor in shaping his later behavior. The show uses flashbacks in different situations to highlight how Ed Gein’s early life was one of the main causes for his mental health issues

As the story progresses, depict the escalation of Ed Gein’s crimes. The series does not bother to show the graphicness of it, and get closer into the details on how he created objects from human remains. The actors’ amazing performance also adds to the unsettling and disturbing  atmosphere. While some scenes are graphic, they help illustrate the seriousness and bizarre Gein’s actions were, rather than just shocking the audience. 

Opinions Vary

“ It was just weird… ,” says Mr. Jago, professor at Woodbridge High School. “ I think the series does not exactly match what happened in real life, but they still managed to make it as gruesome and grotesque as his crimes. “ 

Many people are discussing the main idea of the series, whether monsters are born or made. The audience believes that in the case of Ed Gein his childhood trauma growing up with his mother was a key factor into the man he became and the actions he took. 

“I think that in the case of Ed Gein, his childhood trauma growing up with the kind of mother he had really influenced his actions, yet it doesn’t justify them by any means, ” says Sofia Monfredo, a Junior at Woodbridge High School. “ I do think monsters cannot be born, they are a product of their past, but in very few cases should their crimes be justifiable?. “

Overall, The monster offers a detailed look at Ed Gein’s life and crimes. It combined elements of true crime, drama, and history to create an enhanced narrative. While the context can be disturbing, the series aims to educate viewers about what are some factors that can lead to such tragic events. For those interested in crime stories and psychological dramas, The monster is a very well done series that gets into detail and can help you understand and give you a different perspective on Serial killers.