‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ Release Date, Plot, Cast and More Details

Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology continues to captivate audiences, with its next installment promising to be one of the most intriguing yet. ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ will debut all eight episodes on Netflix on September 17th, perfectly timed for the spooky season and furthering a franchise that has become a staple of streaming entertainment.

This fourth season represents a notable shift for the series. Following previous seasons that focused on infamous figures like Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez Brothers, and Ed Gein, ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ introduces the franchise’s first female alleged perpetrator, generating significant excitement among fans and true crime enthusiasts alike.

The narrative centers around the notorious double homicide that occurred on August 4, 1892, a case that remains one of the most compelling unsolved crimes in American history. The murders took place in Fall River, Massachusetts, within the home of a wealthy family, and the accused was the last person anyone would have suspected.

Lizzie Borden, a Sunday school teacher in Fall River, was accused of murdering her father Andrew and stepmother Abby with an axe in their home. The trial that followed captured national attention and resulted in a verdict that shocked many.

Although Lizzie was acquitted by an all-white male jury, she remains the prime suspect in the unresolved double homicide. Over a century later, the case continues to intrigue, making it an ideal subject for Murphy’s anthology series.

The cast for this eight-episode season includes Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, the daughter of renowned actors Warren Beatty and Annette Bening. Beatty brings her own experience to the role, having previously worked with Murphy on ‘Feud: Capote vs. The Swans’, creating a unique reunion.

Alongside Beatty, Vicky Krieps plays the maid Bridget Sullivan, characterized as Lizzie’s punk-inspired accomplice. The roles of the ill-fated Borden parents are filled by Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden and Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden. Hunnam’s return to the Murphy universe is particularly noteworthy, as he previously portrayed Ed Gein in the last season.

Billie Lourd takes on the role of Emma Borden, Lizzie’s older sister, while Jessica Barden plays Nance O’Neil, an actress friend of Lizzie. Sarah Paulson appears as Aileen Wuornos, a notorious serial killer from the nineties, and Joey Pollari has an undisclosed role. The inclusion of Wuornos hints at a narrative that may traverse multiple timelines, a technique previously employed in ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’.

The official synopsis reveals that the series explores the life of a repressed daughter from a wealthy New England family and her rebellious maid, who escape into a world of fantasy filled with sex, power, and revenge. The shocking murders that ensue not only stun the public but also give rise to an icon who refuses to be confined, choosing instead to create her own legend—one that is both monstrous and liberating.

This framing, which emphasizes themes of feminine rebellion and the mythology surrounding the accused, distinguishes this season from its predecessors in both tone and focus. The new installment takes the franchise in a bold, darkly comedic direction, merging period drama with the stylized approach that Murphy is known for in his broader television work.

Ella Beatty has expressed her enthusiasm for portraying Lizzie Borden, sharing her excitement about exploring the complexities of this historical figure. In an interview with Tudum, she stated, “I am so excited for viewers to experience our exploration of Lizzie Borden’s story and the questions that her life animates to this day. It has been a dream come true to investigate this complicated person’s psychology and to examine an American crime that feels almost mythic in proportion.”

Beatty also highlighted that the season delves into themes of female rage and repression, which she finds particularly relevant today. These themes resonate with audiences familiar with Murphy’s work in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Feud’, where he has consistently depicted women constrained by societal expectations.

The broader context of the franchise adds further significance to this new season. The second chapter of ‘Monster’, which focused on the Menendez brothers, garnered eleven nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, raising expectations for what viewers and critics will anticipate from this fourth installment.

As September 17 approaches, many will wonder if Ella Beatty can carve out her own awards season success with ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’. Share your thoughts below on whether you believe this season has the potential to surpass its predecessors.