Ryan Murphy's 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' Arrives on Netflix

The latest chapter in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's true-crime anthology series, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, has premiered on Netflix. The show delves into the infamous 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, for which Lizzie Borden was accused and subsequently acquitted.

This fourth season of the Monster series, following installments on Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez brothers, and Ed Gein, stars Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden. The narrative begins with a stark depiction of the killings, mirroring the chilling nursery rhyme: "Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When the job was done, she gave her father forty-one." However, the series quickly shifts to explore the events leading up to the murders.

The early episodes focus on Lizzie's strained relationship with her stepmother, Abby (Rebecca Hall), who exerts a controlling influence over her life and attempts to arrange advantageous marriages for her. The arrival of a new maid, Bridget Sullivan, portrayed by Vicky Krieps, introduces a dynamic that becomes central to the narrative. Sullivan's bold demeanor captivates Lizzie, and she shares with Lizzie the dark tale of Elizabeth Báthory, a 16th-century countess accused of torturing and killing young women.

Critics have noted that, in line with the Monster series' tendencies, some scenes verge on the gratuitous. However, the initial episodes are described as relatively restrained, with the chemistry between Beatty and Krieps being a notable strength. The series promises to examine the psychological pressures on Lizzie, Abby's general dissatisfaction, and the sensational trial that followed the murders. It is also set to incorporate a modern timeline, featuring Sarah Paulson as serial killer Aileen Wuornos, with a 1980s soundtrack intended to bridge the two timelines.

Ella Beatty's portrayal of Lizzie Borden has been highlighted as compelling, presenting her as more peculiar than outright menacing, which allows viewers to connect with her character in an unusual way. While the series does contain some nudity and implied sexual content, it is largely confined to the Báthory subplot in the early stages. The first episode concludes with Lizzie and Bridget sharing a metaphorical "blood bath" in Lizzie's sanctuary.

Reviews suggest that if the show maintains its current level of restraint, it offers an engaging exploration of the events leading to the murders and the subsequent trial. However, there is an acknowledged risk that the series could veer into the more indulgent and sensational territory characteristic of previous Monster installments.