Ryan Murphy's Monster anthology is back for a fourth season, this time diving into the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, the Fall River, Massachusetts woman accused of axing her father and stepmother to death in 1892. The new season, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, promises to explore one of America's most enduring true-crime mysteries, where Borden was acquitted despite the overwhelming suspicion. But before you dive into Murphy's take, there's a hidden gem you should check out: The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, an eight-part docudrama starring Christina Ricci that offers a gripping, fictionalized look at Lizzie's life after the trial.
What Is The Lizzie Borden Chronicles About?
Unlike Murphy's series, which focuses on the murders and the trial, The Lizzie Borden Chronicles picks up four months after Lizzie's acquittal in 1893. She's free, but life in Fall River is far from easy. Ostracized by society, Lizzie relies on her sister Emma (Clea DuVall) for support. Their plans for a fresh start are derailed when they discover their inheritance is tied up in debt owed to their father's lawyer, and things get even messier when a criminal half-brother shows up with a box containing a dead baby's skeleton, threatening blackmail. Faced with yet another threat to her fragile stability, Lizzie turns to the one thing she knows best: murder. But this time, she trades the ax for a variety of methods—poison, stabbing, shooting—to eliminate anyone who gets in her way.
Christina Ricci's Lizzie Is More Than Just a Killer
Ricci delivers a nuanced performance that captures both sides of Lizzie: a privileged, well-spoken Victorian lady who can charm and manipulate, and a ruthless killer who can dispatch someone without a second thought. The contrast is seamless, as Lizzie maintains her impeccable manners even as the townsfolk whisper in fear. She's not just a bloodthirsty murderer; she's a woman fighting to reclaim her wealth and status in a world where women have little power. Murder becomes her only language of resistance, but calling her an antihero would be too simple. Lizzie is willing to kill anyone who threatens to expose her secrets, whether they're innocent or not.
The Sisterly Bond at the Heart of the Series
Much of Lizzie's violence in The Lizzie Borden Chronicles is driven by her devotion to Emma. Historically, Emma was like a second mother to Lizzie after their mother's death, and the series explores that bond with a dark twist. While Emma publicly maintained Lizzie's innocence, the show portrays her as increasingly conflicted, questioning whether her sister is truly guilt-free. As the sisters try to rebuild their lives, Lizzie becomes possessive, limiting Emma's relationships and trying to be her sole support. This sibling dynamic adds a compelling layer to the series, making it more than just a sensationalized murder story. It's a tale of loyalty, obsession, and the lengths one will go to protect the person closest to them.
If you're looking for a binge-worthy series to tide you over until Murphy's Monster drops, The Lizzie Borden Chronicles is a perfect choice. Ricci's performance is captivating, and the show's focus on the aftermath of the trial offers a fresh perspective on a familiar story. For more true-crime and thriller recommendations, check out our list of flawless Netflix miniseries or explore the best Western series on Netflix. And if you're in the mood for a different kind of crime drama, don't miss Blood Sacrifice, a gripping thriller that deserves more attention.
