Ryan Murphy Reimagines Lizzie Borden with Gothic Horror

Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan present "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story," a Netflix anthology entry that deviates wildly from historical accounts. The series explores the infamous axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden through a lens of gothic horror, sexual melodrama, and camp.

Rather than a conventional retelling, the show rewinds four months before the killings, introducing Lizzie Borden as an isolated young woman. Her world changes with the arrival of Bridget, a confidante and lover who becomes her partner in rebellion, blurring lines between friendship, curiosity, and murderous intent.

The production embraces themes of menstruation, sexual repression, abortion, and lesbian desire, centralizing the mythology of women who kill. Ornate interiors and a stylized visual approach create a deranged fairy-tale atmosphere, amplifying the outlandish dialogue and graphic violence.

Rebecca Hall shines as Abby Borden, delivering a performance of shrill viciousness. Charlie Hunnam portrays Andrew Borden as a cruel patriarch. However, the series takes a peculiar turn by introducing Sarah Paulson as Aileen Wuornos, a Florida serial killer from a different era, whose scenes feel detached from the Borden narrative.

Ultimately, "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" does not aim to solve the mystery but to showcase the women involved, forging a bloody mythology where patriarchal cruelty confronts female revenge, using history as a mere starting point. The series is now streaming on Netflix.