Netflix has dropped the inaugural teaser for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, the fourth chapter of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s acclaimed anthology series. Starring Ella Beatty as the notorious Lizzie Borden, the clip offers a glimpse into the 1893 axe murders that shocked New England and continue to fascinate true‑crime enthusiasts more than a century later.
A Glimpse Inside the Teaser
The 56‑second preview opens with a theater curtain rising to reveal a nearly bare stage, a solitary piano repeatedly striking the C note. An ominous voiceover intones the infamous rhyme: “Lizzie Borden took an ax. Gave her mother 40 whacks.” Although Lizzie herself remains unseen, the sound of the axe swinging suggests a brutal attack on her mother, Abby Borden. The sequence concludes with a blood‑spattered Lizzie staring in shock, followed by a second line: “When Lizzie saw what she had done, she gave her father 41.” The stark imagery and minimalist score set a tone that is both eerie and provocative, promising a deep dive into repression, fantasy, and vengeance.
Cast and Character Breakdown
Ella Beatty steps into the role of Lizzie Borden, portraying the 32‑year‑old Sunday‑school teacher accused of murdering her father, Andrew Borden, and her stepmother, Abby Borden. Rebecca Hall takes on the part of Abby, while Charlie Hunnam embodies Andrew. Hunnam’s involvement is noteworthy; he previously appeared in the third season of Monster as serial killer Ed Gein, a performance that earned him an Emmy nomination. The ensemble is rounded out by Billie Lourd, Joey Pollari, Sarah Paulson, and Jessica Barden, each contributing to the series’ exploration of power dynamics within the Borden household.
Production Credits and Creative Vision
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is the brainchild of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, who serve as creators and executive producers. Brennan also contributes as a writer. Additional executive producers include Max Winkler, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, Louise Shore, Nissa Diederich, Todd Kubrak, Carl Franklin, and Tanasa Popa. Direction is shared by Winkler and Sarah Adina Smith. The series marks the first installment of the anthology to center on a female killer, expanding the narrative scope after previous seasons focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, Ed Gein, and the Menendez brothers.
Historical Context and Cultural Impact
Lizzie Borden’s case remains one of America’s most enduring mysteries. Accused of delivering nearly 40 axe blows to her parents, she stood trial in 1893 and was ultimately acquitted, a verdict that fueled decades of speculation, books, films, and television adaptations. Earlier portrayals include The Lizzie Borden Chronicles starring Christina Ricci and the 2018 film Lizzie featuring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart. By placing Lizzie’s story within the Monster framework, Murphy and Brennan aim to examine not only the brutality of the acts but also the societal pressures that may have driven a repressed daughter toward a fantastical escape of sex, power, and revenge.
Why This Teaser Matters
The released preview does more than tease a plot; it establishes a mood that blends theatricality with psychological horror. The minimalist stage setting, paired with the relentless piano motif, evokes a sense of entrapment—a visual metaphor for the “cage” referenced in the series’ logline. As viewers await the full eight‑episode season, the teaser promises a thoughtful, stylized retelling that seeks to humanize a figure long relegated to monstrous legend while interrogating the myths that have grown around her.
Standout Entry
Netflix’s teaser for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story successfully captures the intrigue and horror surrounding one of history’s most infamous unsolved murders. With a talented cast led by Ella Beatty, a visionary creative team, and a narrative that promises to delve into the psyche of a woman caught between repression and rebellion, the upcoming season is poised to become a standout entry in the Murphy‑Brennan anthology. Fans of true crime and dramatic storytelling alike should keep an eye out for the series’ debut, as it looks to reshape the legend of Lizzie Borden for a new generation.
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