Netflix has added a new chapter to its true‑crime anthology series Monsters with the debut of “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.” The season, which began streaming on Thursday, is the first installment of the series to focus on a female figure, portraying actress Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, the woman tried and acquitted for the 1892 axe murders of her father, Andrew Borden, and stepmother, Abby Borden.
Creator‑producers Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan said they wanted to examine a case that has become part of American folklore, noting that the rhyme “Lizzie Borden took an axe” has kept the story alive for generations. Beatty told Reuters the role represents “a very new chapter for the show,” emphasizing the series’ shift toward telling stories of women whose lives were shaped by the constraints of their era.
Historical context and creative intent
Lizzie Borden’s trial and subsequent acquittal have long fascinated the public, inspiring countless songs, poems, films, and stage productions. Actress Rebecca Hall, who plays Abby Borden, admitted she was surprised to learn that Lizzie was never convicted, describing the case as “almost mythological” in American history.
Director Max Winkler highlighted the broader social themes the series seeks to explore. He explained that in the 1890s women were often treated “like a piece of property,” expected to marry and bear children, and that Lizzie’s inability to fit that mold created a powerful narrative about “female rage” and the pressures that can drive anyone to violence.
Creative approach to the story
Winkler stressed that the series does not assume any person is born evil. He said the show aims to show how “the pressure cooker” of personal circumstances can lead anyone to snap, noting, “It’s just what are you willing to kill for, or what leaves you no choice, and this show is no different. It’s just the killers look different.”
Charlie Hunnam joins the cast as Andrew Borden, providing a stark contrast to the young actress portraying Lizzie. The production blends dramatized courtroom scenes with period‑accurate settings, attempting to fill in the gaps left by historical records while remaining respectful of the real people involved.
Reception and cultural relevance
Early reactions suggest the series will reignite public interest in the Lizzie Borden case, especially among viewers who appreciate nuanced portrayals of historical women. By focusing on a story that has long been reduced to a nursery rhyme, Netflix hopes to encourage audiences to consider the broader social forces that limited women’s choices in the 19th century.
“Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” joins previous seasons of Monsters that examined notorious male killers such as Jeffrey Dahmer, Ed Gein, and the Menendez brothers. The shift to a female‑focused narrative reflects a growing demand for diverse storytelling that highlights the experiences of women in history.
Netflix has not released viewership numbers yet, but the series is expected to attract both true‑crime enthusiasts and viewers interested in historical drama. The show’s release adds to a slate of upcoming streaming projects that aim to blend entertainment with thoughtful cultural commentary.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
