Lizzie Borden Netflix Series: Actors Dive Into Dark Comedy
Netflix’s ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ reimagines the infamous 19th‑century crime with a blend of dark humor and drama. Actors Charlie Hunnam, Ella Beatty, and Rebecca Hall discuss their character choices, the show’s tonal shift from previous seasons, and the creative liberties taken to human…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Netflix’s latest anthology, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, flips the script on the 19th‑century legend by blending comedy with tragedy. The series follows the life of Lizzie Borden, the woman accused of murdering her parents with an axe, but it does so with a lightness that feels almost irreverent compared to the grim tone of earlier seasons.
Charlie Hunnam’s Ax‑Wielding Role
Charlie Hunnam plays Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father and a local undertaker. He admits that the role sparked a real‑world hobby: chopping felled trees he saw on the side of Los Angeles roads. “I ended up with about ten tons of wood and bought some great axes,” he says, describing how he became a self‑proclaimed “axeman.” The character’s penchant for chopping off legs when coffins are too small is a dark joke that Hunnam embraces with a grin.
Hunnam’s preparation extended beyond the physical. He noted that Andrew Borden is an avid axe collector, which gave the actor a tangible link to the character’s obsession. “I said, ‘Well, it’s for the work. I’ve got to have these axes,’” he recalls, highlighting how the prop work helped him inhabit the role.
Ella Beatty Finds a Kindred Spirit in Lizzie
Ella Beatty, daughter of Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, steps into the shoes of the titular character with a mix of curiosity and fear. Beatty says she felt an immediate connection to Lizzie’s complexity: “I remember making the audition tape and thinking, ‘I understand this person.’” The role demanded a deep dive into Lizzie’s motivations, from her dreams to her mannerisms.
Beatty describes her process as a collaborative discovery. “We all just continued to discover it together,” she says, noting the show’s willingness to blend farcical elements with genuine sadness. The series allows Beatty to explore a character who is both “sadistic” and vulnerable, a duality that keeps audiences guessing.
Rebecca Hall’s Dual‑Faced Villainy
Rebecca Hall portrays Abby Borden, Lizzie’s stepmother, who delivers razor‑sharp insults while hiding her own turmoil. Hall admits she had never played a “true out‑and‑out villain” before. The character’s cruelty is balanced by a comedic edge, giving Hall a chance to explore a “funny and scary” antagonist.
Hall praises the creative freedom offered by writer Ian Brennan and executive producer Ryan Murphy. She explains that the show’s take on Abby is “a creation of Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy and had nothing to do with history.” This liberty lets Hall portray Abby as a woman who “keeps up appearances” while being “a sadistic mess.”
From Darkness to Lightness: The Show’s Tonal Shift
Unlike the previous season, which focused on the notorious killer Ed Gein, this season embraces a lighter, almost whimsical tone. The writers and actors emphasize that monsters are not born but created, a theme that resonates through the characters’ backstories. The show’s blend of comedy and drama offers a fresh perspective on a well‑known historical event.
Despite the 19th‑century setting, the series finds universality in its themes of ambition, abuse, and the human capacity for violence. Hunnam notes that the show’s absurdity feels “on the page,” and that the characters’ complexity mirrors real human behavior.
What’s Next for the Series?
With the premiere already in motion, fans can expect more episodes that further explore Lizzie’s relationships with her stepmother, her new housemaid, and her own inner turmoil. The show’s creative team plans to continue blending humor with historical intrigue, keeping audiences engaged while challenging their perceptions of a notorious figure.
For now, the series offers a unique take on a historical crime, inviting viewers to question the line between comedy and tragedy. As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how the characters will evolve and what new twists the writers will reveal.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Creative Choices
The production team’s decision to cast actors with varied backgrounds—Hunnam’s action experience, Beatty’s stage work, Hall’s dramatic chops—has contributed to the series’ dynamic tone. The writers’ willingness to step away from strict historical accuracy allows the show to explore “what if” scenarios, giving audiences a fresh lens through which to view the infamous case.
Ultimately, the series’ success will hinge on its ability to balance the grotesque with the relatable, offering a narrative that is both entertaining and thought‑provoking.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s reimagining of the Lizzie Borden story showcases how a historical crime can be transformed into a compelling, multi‑layered narrative. With a blend of dark humor, complex characters, and creative storytelling, the series promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats while challenging their assumptions about the past.
Key facts
- Charlie Hunnam’s axe‑collecting role adds authenticity
- Ella Beatty connects deeply with Lizzie’s complexity
- Rebecca Hall embraces a dual‑faceted villain
- The series blends dark humor with genuine drama
- Creative liberties allow fresh storytelling
- The show highlights that monsters are created, not born
Why it matters
The show offers a fresh, comedic lens on a historic crime, challenging viewers to reconsider how we portray and remember infamous figures in media.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tone of the new season of Monster?
The season mixes dark humor with dramatic moments, offering a lighter, more comedic take compared to previous seasons.
Who plays Lizzie Borden in the series?
Ella Beatty portrays Lizzie Borden, bringing depth and vulnerability to the role.
How did the actors prepare for their roles?
Charlie Hunnam practiced real axe work, Ella Beatty studied Lizzie’s mannerisms, and Rebecca Hall explored the character’s comedic and sinister aspects.
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “‘Lizzie Borden’ Cast on Treating the Story as a Comedy, the Joy of Playing a Sadistic Character and Finding Empathy for a Bloody Monster: ‘I Understand This Person’”
