The Netflix series “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story,” which debuted on September 17, explores the life of Lizzie Borden, a woman infamously accused and acquitted of the brutal murders of her father Andrew and stepmother Abby in 1892. The portrayal of Borden, played by Ella Beatty, offers a dramatized account of her life, intertwining factual elements with fictionalised health issues to create a compelling narrative.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Monster--The-Lizzie-Borden-Story-beatty2-91826-f9f183ecb88e489e94e8becffc871dbb.jpg)
The series presents Borden as a character plagued by a range of health problems, including extreme menstrual pain and an allegedly imperforate hymen. However, much of this depiction diverges from historical fact. While Borden is shown suffering from debilitating menstrual symptoms throughout the show, historical records do not substantiate claims of her suffering from painful periods. During the police investigation following the murders, Borden did refer to her menstruation, which explained the presence of bloody cloths found in the family basement. However, these were explained as hygienic materials, and no associated health condition was documented.
Additionally, the show introduces the notion of Borden having an imperforate hymen, a medical condition in which the hymen obstructs the vaginal opening. This storyline, involving the family’s maid, Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan, is entirely fictional and lacks any substantive historical evidence. The choice to include such a plot point highlights the creative liberties taken by the writers, further blurring the lines between fact and fiction in Borden’s representation on screen.
Following the tragic deaths of her parents, the series depicts Borden as becoming hysterical and subsequently receiving morphine from her physician. This particular detail aligns closely with historical accounts; her doctor did indeed prescribe morphine after the murders. However, this leads to questions regarding the validity of her statements during the investigation, as the circumstances under which she was questioned were contentious. The admission of morphine into her system and the absence of legal counsel rendered her early statements inadmissible in court, contributing to the complexity of her case.
Despite the dramatic and deeply personal retelling of Borden’s life, “Monster” opts to conclude her story prematurely. The series stops short of detailing Borden’s later years, including significant health issues she faced as an adult. Notably, she underwent gallbladder surgery prior to her death on June 1, 1927, a detail that was omitted from the narrative. This decision to end the story earlier raises questions about the motivations behind crafting a more sensationalist storyline at the expense of factual accuracy.
Moreover, the series shows Borden moving into a new home with her partner after receiving her inheritance, depicting a life that suggests personal liberation following the scandal surrounding the murders. The lifestyle choices and social activism of Borden in her later years, including her involvement in women’s suffrage, present a tantalising glimpse into a life that defied the norms of her time, but unfortunately goes unexplored in the series.
By intertwining elements of truth with speculative drama, “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” both intrigues and misleads its audience. While offering fresh perspectives on a well-known historical figure, the series runs the risk of perpetuating myths rather than highlighting the complexity of Borden’s life beyond the murders. The true story of Lizzie Borden is one shaded with ambiguity, and while the series strives for a gripping narrative, it ultimately raises questions about the need for fidelity to historical fact.
In constructing its portrayal of Lizzie Borden, the creators of “Monster” face the perennial challenge of balancing narrative engagement with historical accuracy. The freedom taken in depicting her health issues may serve the show’s dramatic aims, but it also risks oversimplifying and sensationalising a rich historical narrative. As audiences consume historical dramas, the need for critical engagement with what is presented on screen becomes all the more essential.
Ultimately, “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” serves as a captivating, albeit fictionalised, exploration of a figure cloaked in controversy. While it succeeds in framing a narrative that keeps viewers invested, it also invites scrutiny regarding its departures from the true account of Lizzie Borden’s life—a life marked by personal tragedy, societal challenge, and enduring mystery.