Netflix's 'Monster' Finds Fresh Life with Lizzie Borden as First Female Killer
The fourth season of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's anthology series shifts focus to Lizzie Borden, played by Ella Beatty, in a 19th-century setting. The show explores her troubled home life and the events leading to the infamous murders of her father and stepmother. The review praises the new direction and Beatty's performance.
The fourth installment of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's anthology marks a notable shift by centering on its first female killer. Set in Fall River, Massachusetts during the 1890s, the season stars Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, with Rebecca Hall, Charlie Hunnam, Vicky Krieps, and Billie Lourd rounding out the cast. The narrative opens with the infamous 1892 double murder before flashing back four months to explore Lizzie's troubled household and her growing bond with the family's new maid, Bridget.
The production reportedly adopts a lighter, more playful tone than previous seasons, framing Lizzie's violence as a response to systematic mistreatment rather than inexplicable evil. The trailer also teases Sarah Paulson's appearance as real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos, suggesting the season may connect historical cases across centuries.
This season could broaden the "Monster" franchise's appeal by centering a female perspective within a genre typically dominated by male killers. The historical framing may resonate with audiences interested in how societal constraints shape criminal narratives, potentially sparking conversations about gender, class, and victimhood. However, the show's playful tone could also draw criticism for glamorizing violence, particularly given the real victims involved.