Dive into the chilling depths of true crime with Netflix's Monster series – it's not just entertainment; it's a rollercoaster that grips you from the first episode and leaves you questioning humanity itself. If you've already devoured Monster: The Ed Gein Story and are craving more of that heart-pounding suspense, you're in for a treat. But here's where it gets controversial: the next chapter flips the script by focusing on a female figure in the annals of infamy, sparking debates about gender, justice, and how we remember notorious crimes. Stick around, because this installment promises to be as gripping as its predecessors, and it's the part most people miss – the subtle ways it challenges our perceptions of guilt and innocence.
Did you catch Netflix's Monster: The Ed Gein Story over the weekend? This true-crime drama, the third entry in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's acclaimed anthology series, skyrocketed to the top spot in 62 countries, with fans binge-watching episodes back-to-back. For those new to the series, it's worth noting that Ed Gein was a real-life American serial killer and body snatcher in the 1950s, whose gruesome acts inspired iconic horror films like Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – a perfect example of how true stories can bleed into pop culture nightmares. Building on the success of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, this latest season left many viewers – including myself – utterly shaken, proving it's not for the faint of heart. While it's far from a pleasant viewing experience, it hooks you relentlessly, even if you're peeking through your fingers. Now, with Netflix always staying ahead, they've teased another spine-tingling tale, this time centered on their first female 'monster.' If you've finished The Ed Gein Story and are eager for spoilers on what's coming, let's break down everything we know about season four, tentatively titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.
So, what exactly is Netflix's upcoming Monster series all about? Season four shines a spotlight on the notorious Lizzie Borden, who stood trial – and was ultimately acquitted – for the savage 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. Despite the not-guilty verdict, Lizzie faced lifelong ostracism from her community, living as an outcast until she passed away in 1927 at age 66. This case endures as one of history's most perplexing enigmas, with no definitive proof of her involvement, yet fueled by circumstantial evidence and public hysteria. To help beginners grasp the intrigue, think of it like a real-life whodunit where the suspect's own home became the crime scene, and whispers of motive – perhaps family tensions or inheritance disputes – still echo today. And this is the part most people miss: how the case's ambiguity has inspired a wealth of creative works, from haunting nursery rhymes (like the infamous 'Lizzie Borden took an axe...') to stage productions, novels, TV shows, and movies. Notable adaptations include the 1975 film The Legend of Lizzie Borden, the 2014 TV movie Lizzie Borden Took an Ax, and the more recent 2018 drama Lizzie, starring Chloë Sevigny (who also appeared in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story) and Kristen Stewart. These retellings often explore the psychological depths of a woman who, in the eyes of some, was a victim of Victorian-era sexism rather than a cold-blooded killer.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was Lizzie truly innocent, or did societal biases protect her? Critics argue that the all-male jury and lack of forensic evidence at the time played into her acquittal, while others point to her bizarre behavior post-trial as suspicious. This duality makes the story ripe for debate – is she a misunderstood figure or a master manipulator? Netflix's take could lean into these gray areas, potentially rekindling arguments about whether true crime media glorifies or humanizes perpetrators. What do you think – does portraying 'monsters' like Lizzie help us understand the complexities of crime, or does it sensationalize tragedy?
Now, onto the stars who will bring this tale to life. Taking over from Charlie Hunnam's role as the lead in the previous season is Ella Beatty, who previously collaborated with Ryan Murphy on Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. 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; Rebecca Hall (from Christine and Passing) portraying Lizzie's stepmother, Abby Borden; Billie Lourd (a veteran of American Horror Story and The Last Showgirl) as Lizzie's older sister, Emma; and Jessica Barden (star of The End of the F***ing World and Dune: Prophecy) as Nance O'Neill, Lizzie's actress friend. This ensemble promises a fresh dynamic, with Krieps and Hall adding layers of tension through their portrayals of household dynamics that might have simmered beneath the surface.
As for when we can expect to see Monster season four, production is actively underway, directed by Max Winkler (who helmed episodes of Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story and Grotesquerie). Netflix hasn't set an official release date yet, but given the series' track record of quick turnarounds, it could drop sooner than you think. In the meantime, it's a reminder of how these stories keep evolving, blending historical facts with dramatic flair to keep audiences hooked.
What are your thoughts on this shift to a female-led 'monster' story? Do you believe Lizzie Borden was guilty, or is her acquittal a testament to flawed justice systems? Share your opinions in the comments – does Netflix risk romanticizing real horrors, or does it spark important conversations about crime and society? I'd love to hear your take!
