'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' Explores the Making of a Killer

Netflix's "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" delves into the psyche of America's most notorious murderers, beginning with Lizzie Borden. The anthology series, from creators Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy, uses the known facts of these cases as a foundation to explore how individuals become perceived as monsters and how these figures are shaped by popular culture.

The first episode, titled "Bloodbath," immediately plunges viewers into the grim events, depicting Borden, played by Ella Beatty, committing the brutal axe murders of her stepmother Abby (Rebecca Hall) and father Andrew (Charlie Hunnam). The scene is characterized by its sound design, focusing on the audible impact of the blows rather than explicit visuals.

Following a stylized title sequence and thematic musings on female culpability in crime, the episode establishes the suffocating environment in which Lizzie lived. She endures a rigid upbringing, marked by her stepmother Abby's emotional abuse and control, particularly concerning her menstruation. Mr. Borden, a craftsman whose business includes making coffins, is presented as largely detached, his extensive axe collection serving as a stark, if unusual, detail.

Into this tense household enters Bridget (Vicky Krieps), an Irish immigrant who brings a spirit of independence and unconventional ideas. Bridget, whom Mrs. Borden disrespectfully nicknames Maggie, asserts her rights and harbors dreams of owning her own property. Her interactions with Mr. Borden, including a sexual relationship, are juxtaposed with a burgeoning, more intense connection with Lizzie.

This connection is explored through visually striking sequences that evoke films like "Heavenly Creatures" and "Picnic at Hanging Rock." The blossoming relationship between Lizzie and Bridget is depicted amidst the cherry blossoms, a recurring motif. Bridget gives Lizzie a crank-powered device intended to ease menstrual discomfort, a moment imbued with charged intimacy.

The episode further draws parallels to historical figures of notoriety by introducing Elizabeth Báthory, the "Countess of Blood," through a book given to Lizzie by Bridget. A stylized sequence portrays Báthory's alleged ritual of bathing in virgin blood, inspiring Lizzie to recreate a similar scene using cherry juice in a bath. This shared experience, underscored by the song "Hounds of Love," highlights the intense bond and shared desires between Lizzie and Bridget.

"Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" aims to examine the public's fascination with notorious killers and the lurid details of their crimes, while also exploring the underlying pain and trauma that may have contributed to their actions. The series adopts a hybrid approach, blending stylized artistic elements with unflinching portrayals of bleak circumstances, a method that may not appeal to all viewers but aims to offer a unique perspective on true crime narratives.