Netflix has once again taken the world of true crime by storm with its newest chilling offering – the Ed Gein documentary. The story of the man who is the inspiration for some of Hollywood’s most terrifying monsters, like Norman Bates in Psycho and Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, has both horrified and fascinated viewers. But what is it about this documentary that has everyone buzzing? Let’s take a look!
Who was Ed Gein? The Real-World Horror Behind this Man?
Before Hollywood picked Ed Gein up and made him a legend of horror, he was a real man living in Plainfield, Wisconsin, during the 1950s. Nicknamed “The Butcher of Plainfield,” Gein was arrested for murder and body snatching. What authorities found inside his farmhouse was beyond belief – furniture made out of human bones and skin, masks made from the victims, and a strange shrine to his mother.
Netflix documentary covers this terrifying world not only on the crimes themselves, but also the psychological trauma to Ed Gein that turned him into a person who could commit such atrocities.
An Original Approach From Netflix: The Truth vs. Shock
Unlike many crime-focused shows that maintain action/disorder/sensationalism to keep viewers shocked while still keeping them connected, the Netflix Ed Gein documentary stripped away the swath of entertainment methods, focusing on Ted Gein, not just the “what, why, and/or how.”
Reviews on Ed Gein Netflix by People:
1. Chris F. (Rotten Tomatoes)
“Watching the first episode is enough. The additional episodes are repetitive. The so-called ‘lost tapes’ contain only a few words with boring content.”
2. Darth Arc A (Rotten Tomatoes)
“This is easily one of the most painfully stretched documentaries I’ve ever seen. They somehow managed to drag what should’ve been a single 45-minute episode into four bloated parts.”
3. Jimi B (Rotten Tomatoes)
“If you’re an Ed Gein historian and want to absorb all you can about him, then this is the series for you.”
4. Jay K (Rotten Tomatoes)
“Slow and repetitive… almost like they needed to stretch an episode into four. After seeing the shocking images in the first episode, it was really boring.”
5. Common Sense Media (Stephanie Morgan)
“The title of Psycho: The Lost Tapes of Ed Gein is misleading for a series that focuses as much on the ghoulish fascination of the people who’ve studied the serial killer as on the recordings of the man himself.”
6. Reddit User (r/horror)
“Honestly, I didn’t find it that good. The mix between Hitchcock’s Psycho storyline and the Ilsa story and the German elements just didn’t work for me.”
7. Variety (Aramide Tinubu)
“The series prioritizes Ed Gein’s pop culture image over a deeper exploration of his abusive mother-son relationship, making Ed Gein mythical again and stripping away the texture and grit that was desperately needed.”
8. RogerEbert.com (Brian Tallerico)
“The series flirts with interesting themes but is ultimately content to wear the skin of projects like those without having any sign of a heartbeat, failing as meaningful commentary on pop culture violence.”
9. The Guardian
“Ryan Murphy’s depravity-loving show is unforgivable.”
10. The Daily Beast
“The series attempts to explore the influence of Gein’s story on American horror but falls into the very sensationalism it seeks to critique.”
FAQs on Ed Gein Netflix
1. What is the Netflix series Ed Gein about?
Ed Gein on Netflix explores the life and crimes of the infamous American serial killer Ed Gein, who inspired many horror movies and books. The series delves into his psychological state, crimes, and the impact on pop culture.
2. Is Ed Gein suitable for all audiences?
No. The series contains graphic content, violence, and mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences (typically 18+) and may not be suitable for sensitive viewers.
3. How many episodes are there in the Netflix Ed Gein series?
The series is divided into multiple episodes (usually 4), each focusing on different aspects of Ed Gein’s life, crimes, and cultural influence.
4. Is the series historically accurate?
While the series is based on real events, it includes dramatizations and creative interpretations. Some critics have noted that it emphasizes sensationalism over historical accuracy.
5. Why is Ed Gein significant in horror and pop culture?
Ed Gein’s crimes inspired several iconic horror films and characters, such as Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. The Netflix series highlights this cultural impact.