“Lizzie Borden” Star Ella Beatty Admits ‘You Compromise on Self-Care a Little Bit’ Taking on Dark Roles (Exclusive)

**Ella Beatty Takes on Iconic Role of Lizzie Borden in Upcoming Netflix Series**

Ella Beatty, the daughter of acclaimed actors Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, is set to make her mark in the entertainment world with her first lead role in a television series. The 26-year-old actress stars as the infamous Lizzie Borden in *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*, an upcoming addition to Netflix’s anthology series. The show is set to premiere on Thursday, September 17, and promises to delve into the dark complexities surrounding the historical figure known for her controversial acquittal of the brutal murders of her father and stepmother.

In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Beatty expressed the intense sense of duty she feels towards her character. “I felt a huge responsibility,” she remarked, highlighting her commitment to accurately representing both the character on the page and the real-life figure she portrays. This dedication drove her to begin the preparatory work even before pre-production had commenced. “I immediately thought about how she moves, how she thinks, and how she interacts with others,” she reflected.

Beatty’s preparation for the role was anything but superficial. During the six-month production period, she fully immersed herself in Lizzie’s world. She acknowledged that taking on such a dark character often comes at the cost of self-care. “I just wanted to throw myself into it as much as I could,” she stated, revealing the sacrifices she made to ensure a powerful performance. Her commitment to the project highlights the psychological toll that intense roles can exert on actors.

*Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* marks a significant milestone, being the fourth instalment in the *Monster* series and the first centred entirely around a female character. The storyline follows Lizzie, a repressed daughter from a wealthy New England family, as she develops a close bond with her rebellious maid, played by Vicky Krieps. Together, the two navigate their lives in a quest for power and revenge, leading to a series of shocking events that would forever alter their fates.

The quest to find the actress who could embody Lizzie Borden was exhaustive, yet co-creator Ian Brennan felt an immediate connection upon seeing Beatty’s audition. He recalled that within mere seconds, he recognised her as the right choice for the role. “It was a visceral reaction. It wasn’t even anything she was doing; it was like suddenly the character was just there,” he explained. Brennan praised Beatty’s ability to portray a character with depth, saying, “There’s such a purity to her, yet she is incredibly sharp and very, very smart.”

The season will also see the return of actor Charlie Hunnam, who joins the cast as Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father. Having previously appeared in the series as Ed Gein, Hunnam had high expectations of Beatty’s performance. He remarked on her inherent talent and poise, stating, “Ella did not need any advice from me. She’s incredibly smart, really talented, and for such a young actress, she shows amazing poise.”

Hunnam’s praise further highlights Beatty’s impressive acting prowess, comparing her skills to those of seasoned professionals. “There’s no difference between her and any of the most seasoned pros that I’ve worked with,” he shared, mirroring the sentiments of many who have witnessed her rise in the industry.

As anticipation builds for the premiere of *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*, audience members are eager to see how Beatty will bring this notorious historical figure to life. With the series expected to provide a fresh perspective on a tale ripe with intrigue, the blending of dark themes and complex character portrayals promises to be a compelling watch.

The Netflix original series aims not only to recount the notorious events but also to explore the psyche of a woman often relegated to the shadows of history. “The gruesome unsolved murders that follow don’t just shock the world—they give birth to an icon who refuses to live imprisoned in a cage,” the show’s logline articulates, setting the tone for an exploration of freedom, power, and identity.

As the date of release approaches, Beatty’s dedication to her craft and the role she has undertaken stands as a promising indicator of what audiences can expect. With her fierce commitment to embodying Lizzie Borden, *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* is poised to leave a lasting impact on viewers when it launches on Netflix this autumn.