Imagine plunging into the shadowy depths of real-life horrors that keep you up at night – and yet, you can't look away. That's the magnetic pull of Netflix's Monster anthology series, and it's poised to deliver another heart-pounding chapter that might just redefine how we view infamous figures from history!
If you found yourself glued to your screen over the weekend, devouring episode after episode of Monster: The Ed Gein Story, you're not alone. This gripping true-crime drama, crafted by the dynamic duo Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, has skyrocketed to the top spot on Netflix in a whopping 62 countries. For those new to the series, true-crime dramas like this one explore real historical events involving crime and mystery, often blending fact with dramatic storytelling to make complex cases more accessible. The Ed Gein installment, following hits like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, left me utterly shaken – it's not a cozy watch by any means, but its intense narrative grips you from the first frame, even if you're peeking through your fingers. Ed Gein, a real-life figure from the mid-20th century, was a notorious Wisconsin man whose gruesome acts inspired horror icons like Leatherface from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, showing how true stories can fuel pop culture nightmares.
But here's where it gets controversial: While some viewers praise the series for its unflinching portrayal of dark psychology, others argue it's glorifying monsters and potentially desensitizing audiences to real human suffering. What do you think – does dramatizing these stories educate or exploit? And this is the part most people miss: Netflix isn't resting on its laurels. They're already gearing up for the next spine-tingling entry, rumored to be titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, shifting the spotlight to its first female 'monster' in the lineup.
So, what's the buzz about this upcoming season? It centers on the infamous Lizzie Borden, a woman from the late 1800s who stood trial – and was ultimately acquitted – for the savage axe murders of her father and stepmother in 1892. Despite walking free, Lizzie faced lifelong ostracism from her Fall River, Massachusetts, community, living as an outcast until she passed away in 1927 at age 66. For beginners diving into this mystery, the case hinges on a lack of direct evidence and conflicting eyewitness accounts, making it a classic whodunit that questions whether Lizzie acted alone or if other factors, like family tensions, played a role. This enduring enigma has sparked endless fascination, popping up in everything from creepy children's rhymes (like the one about Lizzie taking an axe) to stage productions, novels, and films. Think of it as a real-life puzzle that has inspired works such as the 1975 TV movie The Legend of Lizzie Borden, the 2014 biopic Lizzie Borden Took an Ax, and the more recent 2018 film Lizzie, starring Chloë Sevigny (who also appeared in the Menendez episode) alongside Kristen Stewart. It's a testament to how one unsolved case can weave itself into our cultural fabric, much like how Jack the Ripper's mystery fuels ongoing debates in true-crime circles.
Now, onto the talent bringing this tale to life. Stepping into the lead role previously held by Charlie Hunnam is Ella Beatty, who previously collaborated with Ryan Murphy on Feud: Capote vs. The Swans – a great example of how these creators build a universe of interconnected stories. Joining her are Vicky Krieps (known for her roles in Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Phantom Thread, and Corsage) as Bridget Sullivan, the Bordens' live-in maid who might hold key insights into the household dynamics; Rebecca Hall (from Christine and Passing) portraying Lizzie's stepmother, Abby Borden, adding layers to the family drama; Billie Lourd (a veteran of American Horror Story and The Last Showgirl) as Lizzie's older sister Emma, who could represent the era's expectations for women; and Jessica Barden (star of The End of the F***ing World and Dune: Prophecy) as Nance O'Neill, Lizzie's actress friend, offering a glimpse into Lizzie's later life and social circle.
As for when you can expect to binge this next installment, production is in full swing, with Max Winkler (who directed the opener for the Menendez story and helmed Grotesquerie) at the helm for the first episode. Netflix hasn't dropped an official release date yet, but stay tuned – these announcements often come with teaser trailers that ramp up the anticipation.
What sparks debate here is the portrayal of Lizzie: Was she a victim of circumstance, a cunning killer, or something in between? Some historians suggest the acquittal was a miscarriage of justice, while others point to societal biases against women in the 19th century. Do you believe Lizzie got away with murder, or was she unfairly vilified? And in an era where true-crime content is everywhere, should we be cautious about how we consume stories like these? Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own theories!
