Monster Season 4 Review
· food
A Bloody New Era for ‘Monster’: How ‘The Lizzie Borden Story’ Sets a New Standard for True Crime Anthologies
The “Monster” franchise has long been known for its eclectic mix of true crime stories, but with “The Lizzie Borden Story,” creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan have finally delivered an installment that truly sets it apart from the rest. By tackling one of the most infamous crimes in American history through a fresh lens, the series offers a nuanced exploration of the societal pressures and personal demons that drove Lizzie to take such drastic action.
The show’s decision to focus on Lizzie as a victim rather than just a villain is a bold move that pays off in spades. By depicting her as a young woman tormented by her family’s cruelty, misogyny, and her own body, the series sheds light on the oppressive conditions women faced in the late 19th century.
One of the standout aspects of “The Lizzie Borden Story” is its ability to balance campy humor and gothic atmosphere with a deeply unsettling subject matter. The show’s use of period-specific details – from the ruby red curtain to the ornate piano – immerses viewers in the world of 1892 Fall River, Massachusetts. At the same time, the series never shies away from its more gruesome elements, presenting Lizzie’s actions with a level of graphic intensity that’s both shocking and mesmerizing.
The show’s inclusion of Aileen Wuornos, Countess Elizabeth Báthory, and even Lizzie herself as proto-feminist icons raises questions about the franchise’s approach to historical accuracy. While these creative liberties might be used to prop up more sensational elements, they also serve a purpose in highlighting the ways in which women have been misunderstood or misrepresented throughout history.
As the fourth installment of this beloved anthology series, “The Lizzie Borden Story” sets a new standard for true crime storytelling on Netflix. With its unique blend of campy humor, gothic atmosphere, and unflinching portrayal of violence, it’s a must-watch for fans of the genre. But more than that, it’s a timely reminder that women’s stories – especially those of female killers – deserve to be told with nuance and complexity.
By prioritizing character development over sensationalism, “The Lizzie Borden Story” offers a more compelling – and often more disturbing – portrayal of true crime than we’ve seen before. The show’s thoughtful approach to storytelling is a welcome change from the flashy marketing campaigns and high-profile casting choices that have come to define the franchise.
As the summer months approach, viewers will be eagerly anticipating what’s next for the “Monster” franchise. Will future installments continue to push the boundaries of historical accuracy and creative liberties? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: with “The Lizzie Borden Story,” Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan have set a new standard for true crime anthologies – and it’s going to be bloody fascinating to see what they do next.
Reader Views
- TKThe Kitchen Desk · editorial
While I applaud the show's attempt to humanize Lizzie Borden and shed light on the suffocating patriarchal society of 19th-century America, I worry that its exploration of proto-feminist icons might get lost in a sea of sensationalism. To truly honor these women's legacies, "Monster" needs to move beyond gratuitous nods and delve deeper into the historical context and consequences of their actions – after all, Aileen Wuornos' story, for example, is still marked by controversy and debate among true crime enthusiasts and historians alike.
- PMPat M. · home cook
The show's portrayal of Lizzie Borden as a victim is certainly a departure from the usual narrative, but I'm not convinced that this interpretation does justice to the complexity of the case. What about the role of Andrew Borden, Lizzie's father? His treatment of her and the household's patriarchal dynamics are given short shrift in favor of more sensationalized explorations of female victimhood. By omitting these crucial aspects, "The Lizzie Borden Story" risks perpetuating a simplistic portrayal of female oppression that doesn't fully account for the nuances of this infamous case.
- CDChef Dani T. · line cook
While I appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Lizzie Borden in Monster's latest installment, I'm still waiting for a true crime anthology that doesn't rely on a female protagonist's tragic fate to sell its story. We've seen this before with H.H. Holmes and The Jack the Ripper Murders - strong, flawed women making headlines by virtue of their association with notorious crimes. It's time for Monster to delve deeper into the societal factors driving these crimes, rather than just focusing on the most sensational aspects of each case.