Netflix’s ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’ Blurs Fact and Fiction

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Netflix’s new series, ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’, premiered on October 3, 2025, stirring interest in one of America’s most infamous serial killers. The show features TikTok star Addison Rae as Evelyn Hartley, a 15-year-old who mysteriously vanished while babysitting in La Crosse on October 24, 1953.

The Hartley case has gone unsolved for over 70 years, capturing the public’s imagination. Ed Gein, who lived nearby and was later arrested for crimes unrelated to Hartley, became a person of interest. Although he denied involvement and passed lie detector tests, many still associate him with Hartley’s disappearance, despite being officially cleared in 1957.

‘Monster’ dramatizes the chilling theory that Gein kidnapped and killed Hartley, a portrayal that reflects ongoing speculation about the case. Rae’s involvement in this complex narrative marks a significant turn in her career, transitioning from social media to dramatic storytelling.

The series is the latest installment in Netflix’s Monster anthology, known for depicting notorious figures like Jeffrey Dahmer. British actor Charlie Hunnam stars as Gein, showcasing a dramatic transformation to embody his character more closely.

In an interview, Hunnam revealed, “It was not a pleasant process,” highlighting his commitment to the role after losing about 30 pounds. The narrative intertwines Gein’s haunted psyche with the horror genre’s evolution, connecting his real-life crimes to classic films like ‘Psycho‘ and ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.’

Supporting cast members add depth with performances that breathe life into this historical saga. The show aims to not just recount Gein’s crimes but also examine how they resonate in pop culture.

Ryan Murphy, the series’ co-creator, shared insights into the creative vision behind ‘Monster’. He believes the intriguing aspect of the show transcends the crimes themselves, inviting audiences to reflect on their fascination with figures like Gein. Could this series prompt new conversations about unsolved mysteries and the myths they spawn?

‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’ is now available for viewing on Netflix, pushing viewers to confront the complex nature of storytelling around crime and its lasting impact.