Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story Has Nothing New to Say About Female Rage
In conflating female murderers from across history, Ryan Murphy's Netflix true-crime anthology comes to maddeningly simplistic conclusions
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.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
