Series synopsis
The Monster Behind the Iron Curtain, also known as Pošast za železno zaveso is a drama mystery crime television series that premiered on March 14, 2026. It ended on April 18, 2026. It was created by Tomaž Gorkič. It stars Svit Stefanija, Saša Pavlin Stošić, Marko Mandić and Julijan Pop-Tasić.
In 1948, in the fragile post‑war countryside of socialist Yugoslavia, Marjeta gives birth to twins, Metod and Cilka. Withdrawn and volatile, Metod grows up in near isolation, shaped by a suffocating bond with his mother and a world marked by violence and repression. His impulsive behavior brings him into repeated conflict with society and the law, eventually leading to psychiatric treatment. After returning home and taking a job as a warehouseman, he appears outwardly stable, but inwardly deteri ...
Premise
In 1948, in the fragile post‑war countryside of socialist Yugoslavia, Marjeta gives birth to twins, Metod and Cilka. Withdrawn and volatile, Metod grows up in near isolation, shaped by a suffocating bond with his mother and a world marked by violence and repression. His impulsive behavior brings him into repeated conflict with society and the law, eventually leading to psychiatric treatment. After returning home and taking a job as a warehouseman, he appears outwardly stable, but inwardly deteriorates under the weight of alcohol, hallucinations, and relentless inner turmoil — until one night, the monster he has long concealed finally emerges.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Svit Stefanija as Metod Štrbec
- Saša Pavlin Stošić as Marjeta Štrbec
- Marko Mandić as Kernov Franc
- Julijan Pop-Tasić as Metod Štrbec (otrok)
- Gašper Markun as Policeman 1
- Sebastian Cavazza as Rafael
- Luka Cimprič as Šinkovec
- Andrijana Boškoska Batič as Vera Jovanova
Supporting cast
- Karin Komljanec as Martina Cajnko
- Boris Kerč as Silvo Bernik
- Jurij Drevenšek as Janez Lajhnar
- Katarina Stegnar as Anja
- Alenka Kraigher as Marjanca Kolarič
- Marinka Štern as Gmajnarca
- Sara Horžen as Magda
- Nebojša Pop-Tasić as Meto Damevski
- Teja Sedovšek as Angelca Brajnik
- Ivona Tomiek as Zora
- Gregor Podričnik as Judge
- Mario Dragojevič as Doctor
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 6 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | March 14, 2026 | April 18, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Every Child Is Beautiful When Born In the Yugoslav post‑war countryside, Metod grows up amid hardship and isolation. An accusation that he set fire to a neighbor’s hayrack exposes deep family and social fractures. In 1948, on the uncertain post‑war Yugoslav countryside, Marjeta gives birth to twins, Metod and Cilka. Metod grows up largely alone and, in addition to his complicated relationship with his mother, is shaped by numerous external influences. In his early teenage years, he becomes entangled in conflicts with his peers and with a neighbor, Franc Kerna, who accuses him of arson. When the police take Metod away following the accusation, it triggers a surge of tension that ripples through the family. |
March 14, 2026 |
| 2 |
On His Own Land Metod’s adolescence is increasingly marked by violent outbursts, police interventions, and work abroad. Driven by reckless decisions and uncontrollable impulses, he becomes infatuated with his neighbor Štefi and tries to impress her by beating his classmate Lojz and stealing his motorcycle. The incident lands him back at the police station, but it barely affects him — his mind is set on leaving to work in Germany. After returning home, Metod sinks into heavy drinking, deeply worrying his mother Marjeta. His criminal behavior escalates, making him a familiar face to the police. Following a court hearing, his erratic conduct leads to forced treatment, where he is subjected to electroconvulsive therapy. |
March 21, 2026 |
| 3 |
The Story That Doesn’t Exist After his release from psychiatric treatment, Metod returns to his home village and the family house. He finds work as a warehouseman at Metalka, but soon clashes with his co‑workers. His mental state steadily deteriorates — excessive drinking, voices he claims to hear, and severe headaches drive him deeper into inner turmoil. He begins to watch women obsessively. At a local tavern, he listens in on two friends, Vera and Marjanca. Exploiting Vera’s confession about her dissatisfaction with her partner, Metod lures the naive Vera into what seems like an innocent trip to buy shoes — an outing that ends very differently than she expects. Thus begins Metod’s murderous rampage. |
March 28, 2026 |
Production
Release
| First aired | March 14, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last aired | April 18, 2026 |
| Status | ended |