‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ Is ‘Age of Innocence’ Meets ‘South Park,’ According to Its Director

Max Winkler, the director behind "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story," explains that the sixth episode of the Netflix anthology series is a dark comedy that combines the tone of "Noises Off" and "South Park." The show tells the story of Lizzie Borden, a woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1893, although her guilt remains unproven.

The series takes a satirical approach, mixing Victorian-era settings with grotesque humor and outrageous scenes. Winkler and the production team drew inspiration from Martin Scorsese's "The Age of Innocence," Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's works, and Sarah Adina Smith's episodes. The cast, including Rebecca Hall, Charlie Hunnam, and Billie Lourd, brought the exaggerated characters to life, with Hall's portrayal of Abby Borden being particularly effective.

The ensemble cast's unique talents contribute to the overall tone, which is meant to be both serious and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on feminism and womanhood.