Copyright Us Weekly
Netflix just added a new limited series about a notorious serial killer, and it already has everyone talking. The Monster of Florence is an Italian crime drama surrounding the titular “Monster,” a perpetrator who committed eight double homicides around Florence. If this sounds too chilling to be real, think again — the actual killer was never found. But what’s the full story behind The Monster of Florence? And is it worth watching? Watch With Us reveals the true story behind the show and if you need to add it to your Netflix watchlist this October. Is ‘The Monster of Florence’ Based on a True Story? Yes. Based on the non-fiction book Il Mostro di Firenze by Gianluca Monastra, The Monster of Florence limited series on Netflix focuses on the investigation into the murders, which actually occurred. The series begins with a murder committed in 1982, which the police link to the killer, as they look back to another killing from 1968 for possible clues. At only four episodes, The Monster of Florence has a lot of ground to cover in little time. The format of the series is non-linear, in which each episode focuses on a different suspect whom the police believe could feasibly be the killer — but are they? This structure highlights the lingering uncertainty that plagues the truth behind the Monster of Florence’s identity all these years later. It also leaves much up to interpretation by the audience since, despite all the real-life evidence, it is difficult to discern what is truly conclusive. The series offers a window into Italy in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, a period shaped by changing economies and cultures that nevertheless left some areas in poverty, as depicted specifically in the show. The countryside of Italy remained frustratingly in the past, as the urban areas sped towards the future, and one wonders if these patriarchal pockets bred a monster. Who Was ‘The Monster of Florence’? And What Happened to Them? Unfortunately, this question doesn’t have an easy answer. From 1968 through 1985, a criminal known only as “The Monster of Florence” enacted a reign of terror in the province of Florence, Italy and killed 16 people — making them Italy’s first publicly known serial killer. The killer targeted couples who went out in search of privacy, secluded in isolated areas that were commonly referred to as “lovers’ lanes.” Initially called “The Maniac of Couples,” this serial murderer was later deemed “The Monster of Florence,” even though none of the murders actually took place in the city. After the Florence Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation in the early 1990s, several suspects were convicted for involvement with the murders, and yet most people believe the true killer was never found. The circumstances surrounding the killings remain unclear and unsolved, as well as the motive. This haunting cold case has provided ample nightmare fuel for the decades after the murders ended. Is ‘The Monster of Florence’ Worth Watching? Based on the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, it looks like The Monster of Florence is the more worthwhile “Monster” series that’s currently streaming on Netflix. Critics have praised the series for its period detail, gripping narrative, fantastic performances and well-crafted characters. Ultimately, The Monster of Florence isn’t just interested in exploiting lurid details but examining the complexities of an unsolved case that reflect the time period in which it occurred. The series manages to be genuinely frightening, but it’s also a measured, fascinating exploration of the different types of personalities that could execute a horrific crime, and the environment from which they are bred. It also doesn’t hurt that the filmmaking craft is impressive, with some absolutely striking cinematography. On the whole, The Monster of Florence is more than worth your time, and it doubles as creepy nightmare fuel just in time for Halloween. Stream The Monster of Florence now on Netflix.
