Written By: Sam Santiago
When it comes to true crime icons, few names have lingered in American folklore quite like Lizzie Borden. More than 130 years after she was accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe, people are still debating one question:
Did she do it? That’s the biggest “what if” in some crime circles, and by the above image released by Vanity Fair today, it looks like things are going to get bloody fast.
Whether you believe Borden was a cold-blooded killer or simply the most infamous woman to ever beat a murder charge, there’s no denying her story has become the stuff of legend. Sure, we’ve all heard the old playground rhyme, but there’s a lot more to the Fall River murders than “40 whacks.” With Netflix’s latest season of Monster arriving next month, a whole new generation is about to discover why the case has fascinated historians, true crime enthusiasts and horror fans for more than a century.
Netflix has unveiled the first look at Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, the fourth installment in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s hit true crime anthology. The limited series premieres Sept. 17 and features an impressive cast led by Ella Beatty as the controversial Massachusetts woman at the center of one of America’s most enduring murder mysteries.
Joining Beatty are Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden, Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden, Billie Lourd as Emma Borden, Jessica Barden as Lizzie’s close friend, and Vicky Krieps as the family’s maid. Sarah Paulson also appears in the series as notorious serial killer Aileen Wuornos, continuing the anthology’s tradition of connecting infamous figures throughout history.
According to series co-creator Ian Brennan, this season continues exploring the question that has defined Monster since it debuted in 2022.
“Are monsters made or born?”
For Brennan, Lizzie Borden represents one of the anthology’s most complicated subjects. Rather than presenting a simple tale of good versus evil, the series appears poised to examine the societal pressures, family tensions and emotional isolation that may have shaped one of history’s most controversial women.
Rebecca Hall offered perhaps the most intriguing tease yet, describing the series as “Ryan Murphy does Cinderella,” suggesting audiences can expect Murphy’s signature blend of lavish visuals, psychological drama and larger-than-life storytelling.
The Lizzie Borden case remains one of America’s greatest unsolved mysteries. In August 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found hacked to death inside their Fall River, Massachusetts, home. Lizzie was arrested and charged with both murders, but was ultimately acquitted after a sensational trial that captivated the nation. Despite the verdict, suspicion has followed her ever since.
Hollywood certainly hasn’t been shy about revisiting the case. Christina Ricci portrayed Borden in Lifetime’s The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, while Chloë Sevigny took on the role in the 2018 feature film Lizzie. Earlier this year, horror fans were also treated to the indie release The Lizzie Borden Game.
Now, Netflix is betting there’s still plenty left to uncover.
If the previous seasons of Monster are any indication, expect this latest chapter to spark fresh debate over whether Lizzie Borden was a misunderstood woman trapped by her circumstances or one of America’s most infamous alleged killers.
One thing is certain: more than a century later, the axe murders at Fall River still refuse to stay buried.
