The Monster of Florence
A New Limited Series Brings Italy’s Most Notorious Serial Killer Case to Netflix Premiere Date & Format
Netflix is set to launch The Monster of Florence (Italian title: Il Mostro di Firenze), a four-part true-crime drama, on October 22, 2025. It streams exclusively on Netflix.
The Story Behind the Terror
For nearly two decades, a killer struck the countryside around Florence, Italy. Between 1968 and 1985, the perpetrator committed eight double murders (i.e., two victims at a time), using the same weapon — a .22-caliber Beretta. The crimes, shocking in their brutality and mystique, initiated one of the longest, most complex, and controversial investigations in Italian criminal history. Despite many theories, suspects, and trials, the identity of the “Monster of Florence” remains shrouded in uncertainty.
What the Series Covers
The show draws on real court records, investigations, and ongoing legal proceedings. Rather than presenting a single narrative of guilt, it highlights multiple possible suspects (“possible monsters”) and perspectives, exploring how public fear, media, and investigative failures shaped the legend. The central question isn’t only who the killer was, but the concept that “the monster, in the end, could be anyone.”
The Playlist
Cast & Crew
Directed by: Stefano Sollima (best known for Sicario: Day of the Soldado)
Created/written by: Stefano Sollima & Leonardo Fasoli
Producers: Lorenzo Mieli, Gina Gardini, with production companies The Apartment (Fremantle) and AlterEgo involved.
Starring: Marco Bullitta, Valentino Mannias, Francesca Olia, Liliana Bottone, Giacomo Fadda, Antonio Tintis, Giordano Mannu, among others.
Visual Style & Location
Filming takes place in Tuscany, including actual locations around Florence: historic town sites, rural woodlands, and the outskirts where many real murders took place. The tone is dark, atmospheric, and historically detailed, aiming to reproduce not just the events but the fear that gripped the region for years.
What Makes It Worth Watching
True Crime Appeal: Fans of mystery, cold cases, serial killers, and complicated investigations will likely be drawn in.
Historical Depth: The series doesn’t shy away from the messiness of real investigations, including conflicting suspects, media sensationalism, and the limits of forensic science at the time.
Character-Driven Mystery: It gives voice to various characters involved — investigators, suspects, locals — allowing the audience to form their own opinion about who the monster could have been.
High Production Value: With prominent creators, strong cast, real locations, and period detail, the series promises a haunting, immersive experience.
Potential Criticisms / Challenges
Because the case is still unresolved in many respects, the series might face criticism for speculation or dramatization.
There’s a risk of sensationalizing tragedy; viewers need to be aware they are watching dramatization, not documentary.
The subject matter is dark, violent, and emotionally heavy; it won’t be suitable for all audiences.
Final Thoughts
“The Monster of Florence” is one of the rare true-crime series that digs into a case still very much alive in collective memory. With its mix of mystery, historical authenticity, and moral ambiguity, it may raise more questions than answers — but that’s part of its power. If you like shows that make you think, speculate, and stay unsettled, you’ll probably want to mark your calendar for October 22.