Exploring the Dark Mysteries of 'The Monster of Florence' on Netflix

Unraveling the Enigma of a Notorious Serial Killer

One of the most captivating visuals in The Monster of Florence features an aerial perspective of cars winding through roads at dusk. This Italian Netflix series aims to shed light on the enigma surrounding one of the country’s most infamous serial killers.

The narrative acknowledges that some mysteries may remain unsolved. The limited series does not focus on identifying the individual responsible for the murders of at least eight couples between 1968 and 1985, who were attacked while in their vehicles. All victims were shot with the same firearm, and the women suffered mutilation.

The identity of the killer remains elusive. Directed by the esteemed Italian filmmaker Stefano Sollima and co-written with Leonardo Fasoli, The Monster of Florence employs the Rashomon effect, presenting multiple suspects and revisiting the same events from different viewpoints.

In 1985, following news of the latest murder, magistrate Silvia (played by Liliana Bottone) suggests that the killer must harbor misogynistic tendencies. She and her team delve into previous cases, realizing that the violent acts have deeper roots than initially perceived.

The murders are linked to a complex relationship involving brothers Salvatore (Valentino Mannias) and Francesco (Giacomo Fadda), who become entangled with Barbara (Francesca Olia) and her ineffectual husband Stefano (Marco Bullitta). Although Salvatore appears to be the prime suspect, the evidence against him is tenuous, as is the case for Francesco.

Other potential suspects include members of a voyeuristic underground club and an individual with peculiar fetishes. The news of the killings brings out the worst instincts in men, while also revealing their sexual peculiarities.

This four-episode series barely fits the mold of a police procedural, as the police faced significant criticism for their failure to apprehend the murderer. Instead of highlighting the flaws in the investigation, The Monster of Florence aims to examine the societal conditions that foster such a serial killer.

The crimes unfold within a culture that normalizes misogyny, sexual exploitation, and distorted views of family honor. Characters who display immoral behavior are given context for their actions. The overarching theme of toxic masculinity influences at least one of the main suspects.

While the initial pacing is slow, it gains momentum as the creators reveal their intentions. After three episodes that handle the violence against women with discretion, the series unfortunately resorts to excessive imagery in its concluding episode.

Stefano Sollima is recognized as one of Italy's most skilled directors, known for crafting thrilling confrontations, staging captivating nighttime scenes, and maintaining suspense. However, the writing in The Monster of Florence does not quite match the meticulous period details, production design, and atmospheric cinematography by Paolo Carnera, who also worked on Sollima’s acclaimed Adagio in 2023.

Sollima takes his time with scenes, drawing attention to the cinematic visuals. The series shares a fascination with craftsmanship over narrative depth, reminiscent of David Fincher’s Zodiac (2007), favoring the pursuit over the predator.

The question of who truly committed the murders fades into the background. The Monster of Florence disappointingly fails to bring us closer to the killer's identity than previous investigations. Sollima leaves viewers with stunning visuals, a few standout performances (notably Valentino Mannias as the unsettling Salvatore), and the half-formed notion that sometimes, ambiguity is the only certainty.