Netflix has released a new trailer for “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story,” giving viewers a closer look at Ella Beatty as the infamous Lizzie Borden — and revealing Sarah Paulson in a major new role. The fourth installment of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s anthology series premieres Sept. 17 and marks the franchise’s first season centered on a woman.
Beatty portrays Borden, the Massachusetts woman who was accused of killing her father, Andrew Borden, and stepmother, Abby Borden, with an axe in 1892. Borden was tried and acquitted, and no one was ever convicted in the killings. The trailer presents a dark, stylized version of the case, with Beatty shown amid bloody imagery and scenes depicting the oppressive environment surrounding the Borden household.
Charlie Hunnam plays Andrew Borden, while Rebecca Hall portrays Abby. Vicky Krieps appears as Bridget Sullivan, the Borden family’s maid, with Billie Lourd as Lizzie’s sister, Emma. The eight-episode season also features Jessica Barden and Joey Pollari. Hunnam previously appeared in “Monster” as Ed Gein, earning an Emmy nomination for his performance in the third season.
Paulson’s appearance adds another layer to the series’ examination of women and violence. She plays Aileen Wuornos, the serial killer convicted of six murders in Florida between 1989 and 1990. In the new trailer, Wuornos appears in scenes set decades after Borden’s story and is portrayed as being influenced by Borden’s legacy. Paulson’s brief appearance at the end of the trailer underscores the connection the series is drawing between the two women.
“Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” is the latest chapter in the ‘Monster’ franchise, following seasons focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, Lyle and Erik Menéndez, and Ed Gein. The new season is directed by Max Winkler and Sarah Adina Smith and will stream exclusively on Netflix beginning Sept. 17. See the trailer: HERE.
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