The Monster of Florence Review: In this Netflix thriller true crime miniseries, a string of murders leaves the province of Florence on edge as the police desperately try to catch whoever is responsible.
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The Monster of Florence Netflix Cast
Marco Bullitta, Valentino Mannias, Francesca Olia, Liliana Bottone, Giacomo Fadda, Antonio Tintis, Giordano Mannu
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The Monster of Florence Series Creators
Leonardo Fasoli, Stefano Sollima
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Original Title
Il mostro
The series has 4 episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 60 minutes. The series is based on the real-life events of a string of serial killings of couples between 1968 and 1985 in the province of Florence.
The Monster of Florence Review
Non-linear storytelling and competing viewpoints have become the norm these days, and The Monster of Florence, streaming right on Netflix, showcases the rampant misogyny existent during the 1900s with such vivid intensity that viewers will find themselves a little dazed and a whole lot frustrated.
The double murder of Barbara Locci and her lover becomes the main focal point of the Netflix series, upon which the show hinges. The series highlights what went on during those initial years before the perpetrator claimed 16 couples’ lives and left the country shocked and scared. Bringing forth the blatant disrespect that women faced at the time, the series will be relatable to many even now in that context and will move you to keep watching.
The short runtime is another great thing about the show, as it packs all of its punches well and doesn’t linger for too long anywhere. Although the disjointed storytelling will feel a bit confusing at times, I think it highlights what this series of gruesome crimes truly is – senseless. The complex relationship between Barbara and those around her is one of the most intense and disturbing parts of the series that will make you extremely angry.
The series focuses on the facts and the consequences of the crimes and remembers its victims in a sense, instead of simply sensationalising a tragedy. You feel connected to these characters and their misfortunes as you see various perspectives on a single situation. The desperation to stop the murderer lingers heavy in the air, but is justice so easy to come about, especially when the root of the issue is so complex? These varied emotions hang heavy in every moment of the series as you feel the claustrophobia creeping in.
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However, viewers will find themselves a bit disappointed by the end of it because this is an unsolved case and, thus, there are no concrete answers here. The series’ ambiguity is a bit disappointing, and it also might feel a bit rushed or glossed over at times because the real-life case is quite expansive and deep, which is not possible to fit into a ~4-hour show. But, maybe its biggest problem is how disjointed the story can sometimes feel. It jumps from one place to another quite often and leaves you feeling a bit annoyed. Although non-linear storytelling can be a great tool to get the viewers confused, I think it becomes a bit much in this Netflix miniseries.
Final Thoughts
The Monster of Florence is a thrilling, complex and depressing watch that will leave you a bit dazed. The storytelling is fine, but the non-linear format can be annoying at times. In the end, the series makes you think about a variety of social issues that are prevalent today and leaves you with an intense feeling of heartbreak over the senselessness of the crimes.
What are your thoughts on the series? Let us know in the comments below!
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