Summary:
- Monster Season 4 will focus on Lizzie Borden, the alleged 19th-century axe murderer.
- Ella Beatty stars as Lizzie, alongside Charlie Hunnam, Rebecca Hall, and Billie Lourd.
- The season will explore infamous female killers, marking a chilling new direction for the anthology.
Netflix’s Monster anthology is back, and Season 4 promises to be its most disturbing chapter yet. Following Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez brothers, and Ed Gein, the series now turns to Lizzie Borden—the alleged axe murderer who shocked 19th-century America. With a powerhouse cast and Ryan Murphy at the helm, this season dives deep into one of history’s most mysterious crimes.
What Makes Monster Season 4 Different from Previous Installments?
Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Monster series has never shied away from controversial figures, but Season 4 breaks new ground by focusing on a female killer. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story will explore the chilling case of the Massachusetts woman accused of brutally killing her father and stepmother in 1892. Unlike Dahmer or Ed Gein, Borden was never convicted—adding a haunting ambiguity to her story.
While the previous seasons portrayed killers whose guilt was indisputable, Lizzie’s tale unfolds in a gray area between fact and legend. The intrigue lies not only in the crime itself but in how society shaped her narrative. Was she a cold-blooded murderer or a misunderstood woman trapped by circumstance? That ambiguity sets this season apart, making it as psychologically complex as it is terrifying.
READ MORE: Who Plays Whom in Netflix’s Boots? Complete Cast and Character Guide
Who Was Lizzie Borden and What Really Happened in Fall River?
Born in 1860 in Fall River, Massachusetts, Lizzie Borden grew up in a strict household with her father, Andrew Borden, and her stepmother, Abby. On August 4, 1892, both were found brutally murdered in their home—Andrew on the couch, his face mutilated beyond recognition, and Abby upstairs, struck repeatedly in the face with an axe.
The murders sent shockwaves through the community. Lizzie quickly became the prime suspect due to her inconsistent statements, unusual calmness, and proximity to the crime. Despite damning circumstantial evidence, she was acquitted in one of the most sensational trials of the 19th century. Still, her reputation never recovered. Lizzie lived out her days ostracized and shrouded in infamy—a ghost of a woman whose innocence or guilt remains unresolved.
Monster Season 4 aims to unpack this layered story, revisiting the social dynamics, moral judgments, and personal trauma that may have driven Lizzie to the edge.
READ MORE: What is The True Story Behind Netflix’s Boots?
Who’s in the Cast of Monster Season 4?
The new season boasts an impressive lineup of talent. Ella Beatty, daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, steps into the titular role of Lizzie Borden, bringing fresh intensity to the character. Charlie Hunnam returns to the series—this time as Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s strict father and one of her alleged victims. His chilling portrayal of Ed Gein in Season 3 has set high expectations for his return.
Rebecca Hall joins as Abby Borden, while Billie Lourd portrays Emma, Lizzie’s loyal yet conflicted sister. Jessica Barden plays Nance O’Neill, Lizzie’s close friend, and Vicky Krieps appears as Bridget Sullivan, the housemaid who may have known more than she let on. The ensemble reflects Murphy’s knack for casting performers capable of balancing empathy with unease—a hallmark of the Monster franchise.
READ MORE: Every Song in Netflix’s Boots : A Complete Soundtrack
Why Lizzie Borden’s Case Still Terrifies Audiences Over a Century Later
Part of the horror in Lizzie Borden’s story lies in what we don’t know. The idea that someone could commit such brutal murders and walk free has haunted public imagination for generations. Add to that the eerie domestic setting—a quiet home turned crime scene—and you have the makings of timeless true crime horror.
Several theories persist: Was Lizzie abused by her father? Did she act out of repressed rage, jealousy, or self-defense? Or was she framed by a system that couldn’t fathom a woman committing such violence? Monster Season 4 isn’t just about the murders; it’s about dissecting the psychology of control, repression, and rebellion in an era that confined women to silence.
The season also promises to feature other “infamous women branded as monsters,” according to Ryan Murphy. That revelation suggests interconnected storylines, expanding the show’s focus beyond a single case and into a broader exploration of female violence and societal judgment.
READ MORE: Kiss of the Spider Woman Ending Explained
Where and When Will Monster Season 4 Release?
Filming for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story has already begun in Los Angeles. While Netflix hasn’t announced an official release date, production updates indicate a likely 2026 premiere. Given the series’ past release strategy, a fall debut—close to Halloween—seems fitting for its haunting tone.
The previous installment, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, launched to mixed reviews but impressive numbers, securing over 12 million views within three days. Despite criticism of its graphic depictions and creative liberties, the show continues to dominate Netflix’s true-crime charts. Monster Season 4 appears poised to continue that trend, especially with its eerie 19th-century setting and psychological depth.
How Does Monster Season 4 Expand the Franchise’s True Crime Legacy?
By turning its gaze toward Lizzie Borden, Monster expands its exploration of evil beyond the modern era. It’s a natural evolution for the anthology, which began by humanizing monstrous figures before challenging what the word “monster” even means.
In contrast to serial killers like Dahmer and Gein, Borden’s case questions guilt itself—was she a murderer, a victim, or something in between? That nuance could mark the franchise’s most mature storytelling yet. The decision to highlight women who were labeled as monsters also broadens the thematic range, reframing the true crime genre through a gendered lens.
With Murphy and Brennan continuing to push boundaries, Monster remains one of Netflix’s most provocative and talked-about projects.
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
