The latest instalment of Ryan Murphy's anthology series Monster arrived on Netflix this week – and audiences have wasted no time getting stuck into the new eight-part series.
Titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, the true-story inspired drama follows the titular New England woman who became the subject of a high-profile trial when she was charged with the brutal axe murder of her father and stepmother in 1892.
© COURTESY OF NETFLIXElla Beauty steps into the role of Lizzie Borden, who was eventually acquitted, while Charlie Hunnam (Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Sons of Anarchy) plays Lizzie's father, Andrew Borden, and Rebecca Hall (Christine, Passing) portrays stepmother Abby Borden.
As usual, Ryan has assembled an impressive cast, including Emmy winner and Ryan's frequent collaborator Sarah Paulson, and American Horror Story actress Billie Lourd.
Given the TV producer's long history of twisted, compelling thrillers, it's no surprise that audiences are binge-watching the show in one sitting.
Keep reading to find out more.
What have viewers said about Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story?
Viewers are already hooked on the series, with some binge-watching all eight episodes of the "disturbing" drama in one sitting.
© COURTESY OF NETFLIXTaking to social media, one person penned: "Watched the whole thing in one go 10/10," while another added: "This is great! I'm hooked! So brilliantly executed and arty."
A third viewer hailed the drama as the best Monster instalment yet, while others described it as "addictive" and "fantastic".
The show received a mixed response from critics. The Guardian awarded the drama two stars, describing it as "stylish, full of great performances," but noting that it "feels like it was made up as they went along".
© SUZANNE TENNER/NETFLIXMeanwhile, The Telegraph awarded three stars, while Variety praised the series for offering "something refreshing and wholly unique" to the Monster franchise.
What is Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story about?
The series dramatises the story of Lizzie Borden, who was tried and acquitted in the 1982 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts.
The official synopsis reads: "When the repressed daughter of a wealthy New England family and her rebellious maid find themselves trapped in a house built on humiliation and cruelty, they escape into a fantasy of sex, power and revenge. The gruesome unsolved murders that follow don't just shock the world — they give birth to an icon who refuses to live imprisoned in a cage, choosing instead to forge her own legend: shocking, monstrous and gloriously free."
Meet the cast of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story
Ella Beatty takes on the titular role of Lizzie Borden, alongside Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden and Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden.
They're joined by Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread, Monster: The Ed Gein Story) as Bridget 'Maggie' Sullivan, the Bordens' live-in maid, Billie Lourd (American Horror Story, The Last Showgirl) as Emma, Lizzie's older sister, Jessica Barden (Dune: Prophecy) as Nance O'Neil, a friend of Lizzie's and Sarah Paulson (Ratched) as Aileen Wuornos.
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is now available to stream on Netflix.
