Ryan Murphy’s latest series, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, links together a range of real‑life women known for their violent or infamous deeds, from the titular alleged murderer to a bloodthirsty 16th‑century countess and a 1980s sex‑worker serial killer.
The show follows Murphy’s signature approach of dramatizing historical and contemporary figures, weaving their stories into a single narrative thread that highlights the rage and complexity behind each character.
Lizzie Borden, the woman accused of killing her parents with an axe in 1892, is the central figure of the series. The show also portrays a 16th‑century countess whose reign was marked by brutality, and a serial killer from the 1980s who operated within the sex‑work community.
While the series offers a compelling look at these women, critics note that it often stretches the truth, taking creative liberties with the facts and the motivations of the individuals it portrays.
Despite the dramatization, the show sparks discussion about how media representations can shape public perception of historical crimes and the women involved.
<small>Source: Rolling Stone — read the original story there.</small>
