The Monster Within: How Lizzie Borden’s Story Became a Masterclass in Empathy

The latest season of Netflix’s “Monster” has left fans and critics alike in awe. Not only does it tackle the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, but it also explores the complexities of female rage and the societal constraints that drive women to violence. The show’s creators, Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy, approached this subject with a unique blend of empathy and psychological insight.

Brennan has described writing the Lizzie Borden story as a “fever dream,” capturing the essence of their process. Rather than cherry-picking sensational aspects of true-crime cases, they delve deep into the psyche of their subjects to uncover underlying motivations that drive them to commit heinous crimes. In this case, Lizzie Borden’s story becomes a masterclass in empathy, humanizing a figure who has been both vilified and romanticized over the years.

The decision to focus on a female serial killer was not driven by a desire to check off a diversity box. Instead, it arose organically from their research into the case. Brennan notes that proportionally, few women murder, making Lizzie Borden’s story all the more remarkable. By exploring her rage and the societal constraints that fueled it, the creators crafted a narrative that is both contemporary and timeless.

The use of a triptych – featuring Elizabeth Bathory, Aileen Wuornos, and Lizzie Borden – adds depth to the season. This structural choice allows for a nuanced exploration of female rage across different time periods and geographical locations. It’s a bold move that pays off, highlighting the ways in which women have been both marginalized and empowered throughout history.

Brennan’s comment about the “cages we put women in” is particularly apt. The show doesn’t shy away from examining societal expectations placed on women, from patriarchal societies to modern-day feminism. By doing so, it raises important questions about the role of violence as a means of liberation.

Ryan Murphy’s personal connection to the Lizzie Borden case adds an interesting layer to the narrative. His childhood familiarity with the rhyme and subsequent research into the case demonstrate how even seemingly trivial knowledge can shape our understanding of history. It also highlights the importance of context in storytelling, particularly when tackling complex true-crime cases.

In many ways, “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” is a testament to the power of empathy in true-crime storytelling. By humanizing their subjects and examining societal forces that drive them to violence, Brennan and Murphy have created something both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. As we continue to grapple with the nature of evil and the complexities of human behavior, this season serves as a reminder that even the most heinous crimes are often a reflection of our own darker impulses.

The show’s success also raises questions about the future of true-crime storytelling. With 10 seasons planned, Brennan and Murphy have a unique opportunity to continue exploring the complexities of human nature. Will they continue to focus on women’s experiences or branch out into other areas? One thing is certain: their commitment to empathy and psychological insight has raised the bar for the genre as a whole.

As we wait for the next installment of “Monster”, it’s worth considering what this season means for our broader understanding of true-crime storytelling. By humanizing even the most reviled figures, Brennan and Murphy have challenged us to confront our own biases and assumptions about violence and crime. The question now is whether future seasons will continue to push the boundaries of empathy and psychological insight or succumb to sensationalism.