Millions of viewers watched Monster: The Ed Gein Story when it debuted on Netflix earlier this month, but horror director Osgood Perkins did not join them. Perkins, who is known for his work on Longlegs, told TMZ that he
wouldn’t watch it with a 10-foot pole.
This refusal is tied directly to the series’ portrayal of his late father, Anthony Perkins.
Controversy Over Portrayal of Anthony Perkins on Netflix Series
The second episode of the anthology focuses on the infamous killer and body snatcher Ed Gein, whose crimes inspired many Hollywood horror films. In the show, Anthony Perkins is depicted as a closeted gay actor involved in a secret relationship with Tab Hunter, a storyline that unfolds as he takes on the role of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s film Psycho. The series also shows a fictionalized interaction where Hitchcock, played by Tom Hollander, suggests Anthony was cast because he, like Gein, harbors a secret. Additionally, psychologist Mildred Newman recommends conversion therapy to Anthony in the story.
In reality, Anthony Perkins never publicly discussed his sexuality and remained married to his wife, Berry Berenson, until his death from AIDS-related complications in 1992 at age 60.
Osgood Perkins Critiques the Trend of ‘Netflix-ization’ of True Crime
Osgood Perkins has not watched the series and conveyed little interest in doing so, but he expressed strong opinions about the broader landscape of true crime entertainment on streaming platforms. He cautioned that such portrayals often distort true pain for mass consumption, calling it the “Netflix-ization of real pain.” Perkins worries that these depictions are reshaping culture under the influence of what he terms “Overlords” and stripping context away from important human experiences.
“reshaped in real time by Overlords”
– Osgood Perkins
“increasingly devoid of context and that the Netflix-ization of real pain [ie the authentic human experiences wrought by ‘actual events’] is playing for the wrong team.”
– Osgood Perkins
Call for More Thoughtful Storytelling and Honoring Truth
Instead of simplifying complex real-life stories, Perkins urges creators and audiences to look beyond surface narratives. He encourages a deeper engagement with reality through art that embraces complexity and compassion. Perkins advocates for a kind of creativity that allows people to
“peer behind the veil into the unknowable and loving each other through expansive, new art.”
“peering behind the veil into the unknowable and loving each other through expansive, new art.”
– Osgood Perkins
Ongoing Discussions and Response Status
While Osgood Perkins has voiced his skepticism and concern, his representative has not offered further comment following inquiries from Entertainment Weekly. The ongoing conversation reflects broader tensions about how streaming services handle true crime content and the personal stories of those involved, as seen in works connected to Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and others.
