Ryan Murphy has debuted the first episode of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, a stylized reimagining of the infamous 1892 axe murders. The premiere features a high-profile ensemble cast including Vicky Krieps, Sarah Paulson, and Charlie Hunnam, blending historical horror with a modern, provocative lens.
Vicky Krieps and Sarah Paulson lead the 'murderer's row' of talent
The production leans heavily into what has been described as the "Ryan Murphy Televisual Complex," a signature style that prioritizes high drama and visual opulence . According to a report from the What’s in Jung Kook’s (Snack) Bag? podcast, the series boasts a "murderer’s row" of acting talent, with Vicky Krieps taking a central role alongside industry heavyweights like Sarah Paulson, Rebecca Hall, and Billie Lourd .
This casting strategy fits into a broader trend of "prestige true crime," where the focus shifts from the victims to the psychological and aesthetic allure of the perpetrator. By casting actors known for their versatility and intensity, the series positions Lizzie Borden not just as a historical curiosity, but as a complex, cinematic icon for the modern era.
The visceral reality of corsets and internal organ strangulation
Visually, the episode juxtaposes extreme beauty with bodily horror. The report highlights the striking imagery of Ella Beatty appearing beautiful even while covered in blood, a hallmark of the Murphy aesthetic where gore is treated as a fashion statement. This creates a tension between the polished surface of Victorian society and the violent reality beneath it.
The series also touches upon the physical constraints of the era, specifically the use of corsets. The commentary notes the grim reality of these garments, suggseting that the fashion of the time often led to the slow strangulation of internal organs. For the modern viewer, this serves as a reminder that the "aesthetic" of the 19th century was often built on physical suffering and systemic restriction for women .
The Runaways' 'Cherry Bomb' meets Victorian period blood
One of the most jarring and modern elements of the premiere is the use of anachronistic music to underrscore domestic struggle.. As reported by What’s in Jung Kook’s (Snack) Bag?, the song "Cherry Bomb" by The Runaways plays during a scene where Vicky Krieps' character attempts to scrub period blood out of a sofa.
This choice bridges the gap between the 1890s and the 1970s punk movement, framing the female protagonist's struggle as a timeless rebellion. By linking menstrual blood—a historically taboo subject—with a high-energy rock anthem, the show signals that it is less interested in a dry historical reenactment and more interested in the visceral, lived experience of womanhood across different centuries.
Pepper-mill vibrators and the danger of drinking formaldehyde
The episode delves into the strange intersection of Victorian medicine and sexuality, featuring a vibrator that appears to be fashioned from a pepper mill.. This detail highlights the clandestine nature of female pleasure in the 19th century and the makeshift tools women used to find autonomy over their own bodies.
However , the show leaves some medical questions unanswered. The source mentions characters drinking formaldehyde and ammonia, prompting the question of whether such substances would not kill a person almost instantly. Whether these treatments are based on actual historical medical practices or are exaggerated for dramatic effect remains unverified in the premiere, leaving viewers to wonder how much of the "medical" plot is grounded in fact versus gothic fiction.
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