True Haunting: Netflix’s Spine-Chilling Alternative to Monster: The Ed Gein Story

As Halloween approaches, horror fans are scouring streaming platforms for their next scare. While Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story has climbed to the top of U.S. charts, its controversial attempt to humanize a notorious serial killer has left many viewers cold. Enter True Haunting, a five-part anthology series executive produced by horror maestro James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring), which offers a far more compelling and ethically grounded alternative. Released on October 7, 2025, True Haunting blends real-life paranormal accounts with gripping reenactments, delivering a chilling experience that prioritizes victims’ stories over perpetrators’ infamy. With its immersive storytelling, unsettling atmosphere, and focus on human resilience, this series is the Halloween watch horror fans deserve. Here’s why True Haunting outshines its competitor and why it’s a must-stream this season.

A New Breed of Horror Anthology

True Haunting sets itself apart by combining documentary-style interviews with dramatic reenactments, creating a hybrid format that feels both authentic and cinematic. Unlike traditional horror series that rely on fictional scares, True Haunting draws from real-life supernatural encounters, grounding its terror in the lived experiences of its subjects. The series focuses on two distinct cases across its five episodes, each meticulously crafted to transport viewers into the heart of paranormal horror.

The first case, spanning three episodes titled “Erie Hall,” takes place in 1984 at the State University of New York at Geneseo. It follows Chris DiCesare, a college student and avid jogger residing in the ominously named Erie Hall dormitory. What begins as unsettling visions escalates into waking nightmares, forcing Chris to confront a malevolent presence. The series interweaves present-day interviews with Chris and his friend Jeff Ungar, who captured photographic evidence of the haunting in the 1980s, with vivid reenactments featuring actors like Wyatt Dorion as Chris. These reenactments, directed by Neil Rawles (American Monster), build tension gradually, culminating in a third episode that earns a 7.8 IMDb rating for its shocking ancestral twist.

The second case, “This House Murdered Me,” occupies the final two episodes and centers on April and Matt, a young couple expecting their first child. After moving into a seemingly idyllic Victorian mansion, they discover their daughter’s “imaginary friend” is a sinister apparition. Directed by Luke Watson (Midsomer Murders), this story leverages high production values and a haunting score to amplify dread. By focusing on the victims’ emotional journeys, True Haunting ensures viewers empathize with their fear and resilience, making it a more rewarding watch than the sensationalism of Monster.

Why Monster: The Ed Gein Story Falls Short

Netflix’s Monster series, now in its third season, has drawn ire for its persistent focus on humanizing serial killers. Following seasons centered on Jeffrey Dahmer (57% Rotten Tomatoes) and the Menendez brothers (45%), Monster: The Ed Gein Story plummets to a 20% RT rating, reflecting critical disdain for its approach. Starring Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein, the season attempts to delve into the psyche of the infamous murderer, whose crimes inspired films like Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Critics, including Collider and ScreenRant, have slammed the series as a “revolting, meritless mess” for glorifying Gein’s atrocities under the guise of psychological insight.

This trend, which began with David Fincher’s Mindhunter, prioritizes understanding killers like Ed Kemper, BTK, and Gein over honoring their victims. While Mindhunter framed its exploration as a study of FBI profiling, Monster leans into sensationalism, asking viewers to sympathize with figures who warrant no such compassion. This approach feels irresponsible in 2025, when audiences are increasingly vocal about the ethics of true-crime storytelling. By contrast, True Haunting centers the victims, allowing their stories to resonate without exploiting tragedy.

The Power of Real-Life Horror

What makes True Haunting compelling is its commitment to authenticity. The series doesn’t invent scares; it amplifies real accounts through credible witnesses and tangible evidence. In “Erie Hall,” Jeff Ungar’s photographs from 1984—blurry images of shadowy figures and unexplained lights—lend weight to Chris’s story. Present-day interviews reveal the lasting impact of the haunting, with Chris and Jeff recounting their fear with raw honesty. The reenactments, while occasionally criticized for pacing, gain momentum, especially in the third episode, which unveils a chilling connection to Chris’s family history that’s hard to dismiss.

“This House Murdered Me” is equally gripping, portraying April and Matt’s descent from excitement to terror as their dream home becomes a nightmare. The couple’s story, anchored by their concern for their unborn child, taps into universal fears of vulnerability and loss. The reenactments, featuring a young cast including Liz Rockwell Chartrand as Maude, are elevated by Watson’s atmospheric direction, which uses creaking floorboards and flickering lights to evoke dread.

James Wan’s involvement as executive producer ensures a horror pedigree that resonates. Known for crafting iconic franchises, Wan brings a keen eye for tension, ensuring True Haunting avoids cheap jump scares in favor of psychological unease. Directors Rawles and Watson, with their experience in docudramas and period pieces, maintain a balance between factual storytelling and cinematic flair, making the series accessible to both horror purists and casual viewers.

A Cast That Brings Stories to Life

The ensemble of True Haunting is a mix of fresh talent and understated performances, allowing the real-life stories to take center stage. Wyatt Dorion’s portrayal of Chris DiCesare captures the student’s growing paranoia, while Rhys Alexander Phillips as Jeff Ungar conveys the skepticism-turned-belief of a friend caught in the supernatural. In “This House Murdered Me,” Makenna Pickersgill’s Linda adds emotional depth to the couple’s plight. Unlike Monster, which relies on high-profile names like Hunnam, True Haunting prioritizes authenticity over star power, letting the narratives shine.

Ethical Storytelling in Horror

The contrast between True Haunting and Monster lies in their moral compasses. While Monster dwells on Gein’s psyche, True Haunting amplifies the voices of those who endured supernatural trauma. This focus aligns with a growing demand for ethical true-crime and horror content, where victims are neither sidelined nor exploited. By presenting Chris, April, and Matt as relatable figures, the series fosters empathy, inviting viewers to share their fear rather than dissect a killer’s motives.

This approach echoes successful horror films like Zodiac, which focused on the investigation rather than the killer, or Summer of Sam, which captured societal paranoia without glorifying David Berkowitz. True Haunting proves that horror can be terrifying and meaningful without resorting to sensationalism, offering a model for future genre projects.

Reception and Cultural Impact

Despite its strengths, True Haunting isn’t flawless. Some viewers, as noted in IMDb reviews, find the “Erie Hall” episodes slow, with reenactments occasionally overstaying their welcome. However, the third episode’s twist—a genealogical revelation tying Chris to the haunting—has been widely praised, earning the series’ highest ratings. “This House Murdered Me” has fewer pacing issues, with its tighter two-episode arc delivering consistent chills.

On social media, #TrueHaunting trends alongside Halloween-themed hashtags, with fans praising its authenticity and emotional resonance. In contrast, Monster’s popularity stems more from morbid curiosity than critical acclaim, with X posts decrying its “sob story” approach. True Haunting’s 7.2 IMDb average outpaces Monster’s 20% RT score, reflecting stronger audience approval.

The series also taps into the cultural fascination with paranormal true stories, fueled by podcasts like My Favorite Murder and shows like Paranormal Witness. Its documentary format appeals to viewers skeptical of ghost stories, while its horror elements satisfy genre fans.

How to Watch and What’s Next

All five episodes of True Haunting are available to stream on Netflix, included with a standard subscription. The series is TV-MA, suitable for mature audiences due to its disturbing imagery and themes. For optimal viewing, watch “Erie Hall” in full to appreciate its climactic payoff, and let “This House Murdered Me” unfold without spoilers.

While Netflix hasn’t confirmed a second season, strong viewership and Wan’s involvement suggest potential for more stories. Future installments could explore other documented hauntings, building on the anthology format.

The Broader Horror Landscape

True Haunting arrives amid a horror renaissance on streaming platforms. Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass set a high bar for atmospheric horror, while Hulu’s American Horror Story thrives on anthology storytelling. True Haunting carves its niche by grounding scares in reality, offering a counterpoint to Monster’s exploitative lens.

Other 2025 releases, like X-Men ‘97 Season 2 and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, cater to superhero fans, but True Haunting appeals to those craving visceral, real-world chills. Its success underscores the demand for horror that respects its audience’s intelligence and ethics.

Conclusion: A Halloween Must-Watch

True Haunting is more than a spooky diversion; it’s a testament to the power of victim-centered storytelling. By blending documentary authenticity with cinematic horror, it delivers a Halloween experience that’s both terrifying and humane. Skip Monster: The Ed Gein Story and its troubling glorification of evil. Instead, immerse yourself in True Haunting’s eerie tales of survival, where the real horror lies in the strength it takes to face the unknown.