Ryan Murphy’s ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ Teaser Unveiled

Ryan Murphy’s production house continues its prolific streak, and the latest project to capture public attention is the upcoming installment of his acclaimed anthology series. Netflix has officially unveiled a teaser for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, offering a haunting glimpse into the infamous 19th-century murder case.

The teaser, released on Tuesday, leans into the macabre legacy of the subject, featuring the chilling nursery rhyme, “Lizzie Borden took an axe / gave her mother forty whacks / when she saw what she had done / she gave her father forty-one.” The footage showcases Ella Beatty in the titular role, depicted in various bloodied states, setting a dark and atmospheric tone for the series, which is scheduled to premiere on September 17.

A New Perspective on a Mythic Crime

Unlike previous seasons of the Monster anthology—which chronicled the lives and crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez brothers, and Ed Gein—this iteration focuses on a figure who was never convicted of the crimes that defined her life. In August 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally murdered in their Fall River, Massachusetts home. While the historical record suggests the violence was less theatrical than the nursery rhyme implies, the mystery surrounding the event has persisted for over a century.

The series promises to explore the complex psychology of Lizzie Borden, a 32-year-old woman living under her father’s strict rules, who stood to gain a significant inheritance. The show also highlights the rumored relationship between Lizzie and the family maid, Bridgette Sullivan, portrayed by Vicky Krieps. This narrative choice echoes themes of female rage and repression, which Beatty noted were central to her approach to the character.

A Star-Studded Cast

The production features a notable ensemble cast. Alongside Beatty, the series stars Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden and Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden. Billie Lourd, a frequent collaborator of Ryan Murphy, rounds out the cast as Lizzie’s older sister, Emma. Reflecting on the role, Beatty shared her excitement with Netflix, stating, “It has been a dream come true to investigate this complicated person’s psychology and to examine an American crime that feels almost mythic in proportion.”