‘Monster’ Creator Ian Brennan Shares 10-Season Plan and Dives Into First Female Serial Killer Season With Wild ‘Lizzie Borden Story’
Brennan peels back the curtain into his and Ryan Murphy's 'Monster' selection process, how they landed on the infamous female axe murderer for season four and why she's the most sympathetic subject yet of their hit Netflix true-crime anthology.
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, a Netflix series, explores the themes of female rage and repression, but finds little new insight or nuance in its portrayal. The story of Lizzie Borden, who allegedly killed her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892, is used as a backdrop to delve into various issues faced by women throughout history, such as rape, domestic violence, pregnancy, and the pressure to marry.
By linking Lizzie's story with that of Elizabeth Báthory and Aileen Wuornos, the show suggests a simplistic connection between all female killers. The actors, including Rebecca Hall and Ella Beatty, play characters who appear younger and more attractive than their real-life counterparts. The show also introduces a fictional maid, Bridget Sullivan, who is portrayed as a romantic interest of Lizzie's.
While the series includes performances by Vicky Krieps and Sarah Paulson, its reliance on anachronisms, inaccuracies, and a limited historical basis make it a less accurate retelling of the Borden case.
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