How Does “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” End? Unpacking the Unsettling Finale Episode

The latest season of the Netflix anthology series *Monster*, titled *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*, delves into the complex narratives of infamous figures, connecting the historical character Lizzie Borden to modern-day serial killer Aileen Wuornos. This season invites viewers to ponder Lizzie’s legacy and whether her actions stemmed from notoriety or the consequences of an oppressive environment.

Portrayed by Ella Beatty, Lizzie Borden’s tale unfolds as she navigates a life filled with family turmoil, marked by the abuse and neglect from her stepmother, Abby Borden, played by Rebecca Hall, and her father, Andrew Borden, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam. Lizzie’s only source of affection comes from the family maid, Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan, embodied by Vicky Krieps. Throughout the series, Maggie inspires Lizzie with stories of historical figures who took drastic action to escape abuse and control, culminating in a shared plot to murder her parents using one of Andrew’s axes.

As the story progresses, the series juxtaposes Lizzie’s 19th-century narrative with the tumultuous life of Aileen Wuornos in the 1990s. Played by Sarah Paulson, Wuornos becomes increasingly fascinated with Lizzie’s past, drawing parallels between their lives and the societal judgments they faced. The first half of the finale brings Lizzie’s trial, where the jury acquits her, largely influenced by societal perceptions that a woman could not possibly possess the strength to commit such acts of violence. The season ultimately leaves viewers questioning the nature of justice for women in a male-dominated society.

Following her acquittal, Lizzie inherits her father’s wealth and relocates to a house she names Maplecroft, seeking solitude amidst exotic animals. However, the fame stemming from her trial looms large over her existence, as she realizes her notoriety only grows with time. Simultaneously, Lizzie’s sister Emma, played by Billie Lourd, grapples with the stigma of their family’s infamy, leading her to abandon Lizzie for a fresh start away from the shadows cast by their parents’ deaths.

In a parallel storyline, Wuornos spirals further into violence, convinced that her actions are justifiable retributions against the abusive men she encounters. Unlike Lizzie, whose trial leads to freedom, Wuornos faces a grim fate. Convicted of murder, she is sentenced to death, grappling with societal inequities highlighted by her case. On the day of her execution, she finds herself confronted by an audience watching her death, leading to a bittersweet meditation on justice and gender inequality.

As the narrative converges, both women find themselves in a place of discontent. Bridget, having married an unloving man and feeling stifled by domesticity, chooses to reunite with Lizzie at Maplecroft. Faced with their shared past and struggles for autonomy, they embark on a journey toward empowerment, becoming active participants in the suffragette movement. This newfound purpose culminates in a celebratory gathering, marking a victory for women’s rights.

The series finale captures a juxtaposition between celebration and introspection. Lizzie appears detached during the suffrage victory party, even as joy surrounds her. Meanwhile, the haunting refrain of “Carnival” by Natalie Merchant, a song Aileen requests to be played during her execution, serves as a profound link between the two women’s experiences. In a surreal climax, Lizzie and Bridget appear to Wuornos in a liminal space, suggesting a spiritual connection that transcends time.

This ambiguous conclusion invites a multitude of interpretations. Some viewers may see it as a literal connection between the two women, while others might regard it as a manifestation of Lizzie’s psyche, reflecting Wuornos’ imagined escape. Ultimately, the endings of both stories are poignant reminders of the struggles faced by women throughout history — navigating violence, stigma, and the quest for agency in a world that often overlooks their voices.

In a world where the past and present collide, *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* offers a compelling examination of how society shapes and distorts the narratives of women who dare to define their destinies, pushing viewers to reflect on their legacies within the context of ongoing societal injustices.