Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story review: A dark tale of family, revenge and a murder story
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 21, 2026Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is a crime drama, horror, and historical thriller series based loosely on the infamous 1892 Lizzie Borden murder case.
The fourth season of Netflix’s Monster anthology tells the story of Lizzie Borden, a young woman living with her wealthy family in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her life inside the family home is filled with strict rules, tension and a difficult relationship with her stepmother.
The story centres on the relationship between Lizzie and Bridget Sullivan, the family’s live-in maid. Their friendship becomes an important part of Lizzie’s life as she struggles with the treatment she receives at home.
The series then builds towards the murders of Lizzie’s father, Andrew Borden, and stepmother, Abby Borden, which became one of America’s most discussed murder cases.
Life inside the Borden home
Lizzie lives under the control of her father Andrew and stepmother Abby. Andrew is a wealthy but strict man, while Abby’s relationship with Lizzie is marked by tension and cruelty.
Lizzie spends much of her time isolated from the people around her. Her relationship with her older sister Emma Borden is also part of the family story, although Emma has a different position within the household.
Things begin to change when Bridget arrives as a maid.
Bridget, who is also known as Maggie Sullivan, brings a different attitude into the house. Unlike Lizzie, she has experienced life outside the wealthy Borden home and is more willing to challenge the restrictions placed on her. Their friendship gradually becomes closer, giving Lizzie someone she can trust.
From friendship to revenge
As Lizzie and Bridget spend more time together, their relationship becomes one of the main parts of the series. Bridget introduces Lizzie to a world beyond the family home, while Lizzie finds comfort in having someone who understands her frustration.
The two eventually begin discussing revenge against the people who have made their lives difficult.
The series takes creative liberties with the historical case, turning the relationship between Lizzie and Bridget into a much larger part of the story than what is firmly known about the real events. The season contains considerably more fictional material because relatively little is known about what actually happened inside the Borden household.
The murders change everything
The story reaches its central point when Andrew and Abby are brutally murdered with an axe. Lizzie becomes the main focus of suspicion, and the series moves from the events inside the Borden home to the investigation surrounding the killings.
The aftermath shows how quickly the case becomes a public spectacle. Lizzie has to deal with investigators, public attention, and the possibility of being found responsible for the deaths.
The trial becomes another major part of the season, with Lizzie forced to defend herself while the public follows every development.
A story about more than murder
Although murder is at the centre of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, the series also spends time exploring control, anger and the position of women in the Victorian era.
Lizzie’s story is connected to other women whose lives and crimes have become part of popular culture. The season also introduces Aileen Wuornos, played as a later figure who becomes interested in Lizzie’s story. Elizabeth Báthory, the historical Hungarian noblewoman associated with tales of murder, is also used as another part of the season’s wider story.