Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story has become the latest topic of discussion on the internet since the series premiered on October 3, 2025. The true crime drama is a part of Netflix’s hit Monster Anthology that explores the disturbing life of Ed Gein, a man whose crimes shocked the US in the 1950s.
He went on to inspire some of the most iconic horror characters in Hollywood. The series goes deep into the twisted world of Ed’s crimes, including robbing graves, murders, and an obsession with his mother. However, it left viewers confused on whether everything was truth or a dramatic retelling? Well, let’s find out.
What is true about Monster: The Ed Gein Story?
The majority of what Monster: The Ed Gein Story showcases about Ed Gein’s crimes is true. He lived in Plainfield, Wisconsin, and was initially known as a quiet and reclusive farmer. But that image was broken in 1957 when police investigated the disappearance of local hardware store owner, Bernice Worden, and they discovered horrifying evidence inside Gein’s farmhouse. According to TIME, the investigators found body parts, skulls used as household items, and even masks and suits made from human skin.
Ed Gein later admitted that he used to rob graves and told police he used newspaper obituaries to find fresh burials. Between the years of 1947 and 1953, he reportedly dug up bodies of at least nine women and took their body parts to preserve or use for crafting macabre items. The show accurately showcased his dark habits and his obsession with his late mother and his attempt to ‘become her’ through his creations.
What is not entirely true on Monster: The Ed Gein Story?
Although Netflix accurately showcases Ed Gein’s gruesome crime, the series dramatises some aspects for storytelling. For example, his crimes were terrifying, but he denied being a cannibal or engaging in necrophilia. According to A&E, Ed Gein had once admitted that the bodies “smelled too bad.” Ed had even confessed that he committed only two murders, tavern owner Mary Hogan in 1954 and Bernice Worden in 1957. He shot both of them with a rifle. Initially, authorities suspected him of other disappearances, but they could never prove it. But the show hints at more crimes to creative suspense, which is inaccurate.
Did Ed Gein kill his brother?
One of the most debated parts of the Netflix series is whether Ed Gein killed his brother, Henry. The show showcases a tense and violent conflict between the two, but in reality, the situation around Henry’s death was unclear. According to USA Today, Henry died in 1944 while helping Ed control a marsh fire. Authorities ruled out the cause of his death as heart failure, even though his body was found under mysterious conditions. The speculation has continued for decades, Ed was never charged or proven guilty for it.
More about Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Monster: The Ed Gein Story is the third installment of Netflix’s Monster anthology. It was created by Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy. The series features an ensemble cast including Charlie Hunnam, Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, and Olivia Williams. The series not only focuses on Ed Gein’s crimes but also on how the tale inspired horror figures like ‘Norman Bates’, ‘Leatherface’, and ‘Buffalo Bill’.
What do you think about Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story’s accuracy?
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