Netflix gears up to showcase the harrowing and unsolved murders that haunted Italy for nearly two decades in the 4-part crime series 'Il Mostro.' Directed by Stefano Sollima, the series delves into the terrifying story of the infamous serial killer who committed eight double homicides between 1968 and 1985, known as the 'Monster of Florence.'
'Il Mostro' unfolds the narrative of the elusive serial killer, labeled as the 'ghost' of the Italian judicial and penal system. The series, created by Leonardo Fasoli and Sollima, produced by The Apartment and AlterEgo Productions, depicts the challenges faced in unraveling the gruesome murders that perplexed authorities.
Director Stefano Sollima, well-versed in the crime genre through works like 'Romanzo Criminale,' 'Suburra,' and 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado,' takes on the challenging task of bringing the Monster of Florence's story to life. Hollywood Reporter describes 'Il Mostro' as Sollima's most ambitious project to date.
Sollima's series draws directly from eyewitness accounts, documents, and journalistic investigations, all rooted in chilling reality. The director emphasizes the commitment to justice for the victims, stating, 'The only way to bring justice to the victims is to tell the truth, just the truth.'
Detailing the difficulties of narrating the gruesome and unsolved crimes that struck fear into Italy for about two decades, Sollima shares, 'I started from a true story, and that's why I owe it a special attention, care, and respect.' He acknowledges the complexities involved, dealing with the men on the ground, biases in the field, and the enormity of the struggle.
Stefano Sollima describes the choice to narrate the story of the Florence Monster, stating, 'The people involved, the biases in the field, the difficulty, and the magnitude of the struggle.' The director expresses that the series is not just about the crimes but also the larger context surrounding the investigations.