©The Hollywood Reporter - NetflixThis first glimpse follows previously released promotional images where Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) was introduced as Gein, the notorious murderer and grave robber who became known in the 1950s in Wisconsin as the "Butcher of Plainfield." His gruesome deeds inspired countless horror films.
The voice-over in the trailer is provided by Tom Hollander, who plays Alfred Hitchcock. The series also travels to Hollywood to show how Gein's crimes directly led to classics like Psycho.
Creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan emphasize that Gein, although less known than Jeffrey Dahmer or the Menendez brothers from previous seasons, was likely one of the most influential criminals of the twentieth century. Murphy says, "He influenced some of the greatest serial killers of the century, including Ted Bundy."
For his role, Hunnam had access to the only known recording of Gein, an interview over an hour long made two days after his arrest. According to Hunnam, he was able to distill Gein's tone, choice of words, and energy from it.
The official synopsis describes Gein as a serial killer, grave robber, and psychopath who led a seemingly quiet life on a dilapidated farm in the frozen fields of 1950s Wisconsin. However, behind closed doors, he hid a horror cabinet that would redefine the American nightmare. His isolation, psychosis, and obsession with his mother drove him to crimes that would haunt Hollywood for decades. Films like Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs all carry his dark legacy.
In addition to Hunnam and Metcalf, the cast includes Suzanna Son, Vicky Krieps, Olivia Williams, Lesley Manville, Joey Pollari, Charlie Hall, Tyler Jacob Moore, Mimi Kennedy, Will Brill, and Robin Weigert.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story will be available for streaming in its entirety on Netflix starting Friday, October 3. Watch the teaser below.
I thought the first two seasons about Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers were very well done and compelling, so my expectations for this third installment are high.