Monster Lizzie Borden true crime trailer on Netflix
Netflix has just unveiled the full trailer for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, offering viewers a deeper, more compelling look at Ella Beatty as the infamous axe-murder suspect. This eight-episode limited series is set to premiere on the platform on September 17, 2026, promising a dramatic exploration of a figure steeped in history, repression, and monstrous legend.
The trailer immediately centers on Ella Beatty’s portrayal of Lizzie Borden, inviting audiences into the complicated, shadowed world of the late 19th century. Beatty joins an impressive ensemble cast, including Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden, Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden, Billie Lourd as Emma Borden, Jessica Barden as Nance O’Neill, and Joey Pollari as John Morse, creating a dynamic family trapped by circumstances.
What elevates the series beyond a simple murder mystery is its deep dive into the mythology surrounding Borden. Rather than focusing solely on the event itself, the narrative seeks to explore the psychological landscape—the repression, sexuality, power dynamics, and the complex journey of a woman who transforms into a cultural icon through her notoriety.
Adding a layer of sensational complexity to the narrative are some fascinating casting choices. The series features Sarah Paulson as Aileen Wuornos, the real-life serial killer who murdered seven men in Florida, whose story was famously dramatized in the film Monster. Furthermore, Vicky Krieps takes on the dual role of the Borden family maid Bridget Sullivan and the historical figure Elizabeth Báthory, introducing an unusual and rich tapestry of historical and criminal lore.
This ambitious storytelling is part of a larger Netflix anthology. While previous seasons explored figures like Jeffrey Dahmer, Lyle and Erik Menendez, and Ed Gein, the inclusion of Lizzie Borden marks a significant shift, placing a woman at the forefront of the franchise and using her case to examine how women accused of horrific crimes become powerful, enduring legends.
Lizzie Borden herself was accused of killing her father and stepmother in 1892, but she was acquitted in 1893, leaving her perpetually defined by circumstantial evidence and folklore. Her story has been endlessly adapted across film and television, but this series aims to explore the enduring shadow of those accusations rather than just recounting the facts.
The production team, including writer Ian Brennan and director Max Winkler, crafts a visually arresting and psychologically dense experience. The series is set to deliver a disturbing yet ultimately mesmerizing journey into the dark heart of history, asking whether the legend of Lizzie Borden is a story of guilt, freedom, or pure, terrifying spectacle.
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