Netflix's 'Monster' Series Unearths the Horrific Truth of Lizzie Borden's Infamous Crime in Gripping New Season
The latest installment of Ryan Murphy's "Monster" anthology, "The Lizzie Borden Story," delves into the infamous 19th-century murders, uniquely focusing on its first female killer. Starring Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, the series explores her tormented life, oppressive family dynamics, and the friendship that ignites her path to infamy, all presented with a surprisingly playful yet gothic tone.
“Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” marks the eagerly anticipated fourth installment in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s acclaimed “Monster” anthology series, taking a bold new direction by focusing on its first female killer. Set in the somber landscape of Fall River, Massachusetts, in the late 19th century, the eight-episode Netflix series delves into the life of Lizzie Borden, portrayed with an engaging peculiarity by Ella Beatty. Lizzie is depicted as a young woman suffering under the oppressive hands of her cruel stepmother, Abby (Rebecca Hall), her emotionally distant father, Andrew (Charlie Hunnam, who previously appeared as Ed Gein), and the personal pain of her menstrual cycles.
The narrative unfolds as Lizzie’s world begins to crack open through an unexpected friendship with Bridget Sullivan (Vicky Krieps), the family’s new housemaid. Bridget’s stories of Paris, knowledge of herbal remedies, and ability to meet Mrs. Borden’s impossible cleaning standards provide a stark contrast to Lizzie’s isolated existence, ultimately guiding her down a path that would lead to infamous bloodshed. The series opens dramatically with Lizzie, axe in hand, brutally murdering her stepmother and then her father, calmly observing the grisly scene.
However, the show dials back four months to April, establishing the context for Lizzie’s actions. Her heavy periods and unconventional personality have already deterred potential suitors, despite her father’s considerable wealth. With her sister Emma (Billie Lourd) pursuing her own life, Lizzie finds solace among cherry trees and her beloved dovecote. Her unexpected connection with Bridget, combined with Abby Borden’s relentless acts of barbarity, emboldens Lizzie to plot the murders, seeking a desperate sense of freedom and safety.
Despite the inherently gruesome subject matter, “The Lizzie Borden Story” maintains a playful and vibrant tone, a conscious departure from the darker atmosphere of previous “Monster” seasons. The series carefully distinguishes Lizzie from her male killer predecessors, emphasizing that she is not merely a woman pushed to the brink without cause, but rather someone repeatedly cast aside and treated horribly until she ultimately snaps. It highlights the severe oppressive conditions women endured during the Victorian era, portraying Lizzie’s monstrous transformation as a consequence of her environment.
The “Monster” anthology is known for weaving other recognized murderers into its narratives, a practice that elicits both excitement and some concern. While the appearance of Sarah Paulson as Aileen Wuornos in the trailer raises questions, given the nearly century-long gap between their crimes, the series more seamlessly integrates the tale of Countess Elizabeth Báthory of Ecsed. Portrayed also by Vicky Krieps, Báthory’s 16th-century story of bathing in virgins’ blood, recounted by Bridget to Lizzie, adds to the show’s gothic campiness and explores the timeless obsession with women’s appearances.
The cast offers insightful perspectives on their roles. Ella Beatty felt an immediate and deep connection to Lizzie, embracing the responsibility of portraying such a complicated historical figure and meticulously exploring her character’s physicality and inner world. Charlie Hunnam, in preparation for his role as Andrew Borden, developed a surprising hobby of axe-chopping, mirroring his character’s profession as an undertaker who wouldn’t hesitate to modify a body to fit a coffin. Hunnam noted the refreshing shift in tone from the previous season, appreciating the “bonkers absurdity” that allowed for a complex mix of tragedy, nastiness, and vulnerability. Rebecca Hall relished the opportunity to play Abby Borden, a “deliciously cruel antagonist.” She found the character’s blend of humor and menace, as conceived by writer Ian Brennan and executive producer Ryan Murphy, offered a unique challenge. Hall also reflected on the show’s core theme that “monsters aren’t born, they’re created,” suggesting that Abby, too, is a product of pressure and her own struggles, portraying her as a sadistic mess striving to maintain a façade of poshness.
As the fourth offering in the franchise, “The Lizzie Borden Story” presents a refreshing and unique addition to the “Monster” canon. It serves as a captivating window into the Victorian era, depicting a young woman tormented by her family, societal misogyny, and her own body. While the narrative admittedly bends and twists the historical truth of the infamous August 4, 1892, crimes, the series effectively reminds viewers of the potent force of an underestimated woman, especially one desperately clamoring for a measure of freedom. “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.