The Netflix series "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" depicts the 19th-century murder suspect in a sexual relationship and criminal partnership with her maid, Bridget Sullivan. The show portrays Sullivan, played by Vicky Krieps, as an accomplice who assists Borden (played by Ella Beatty) in the hatchet murders of her father and stepmother after a failed poisoning attempt.
Historically, Lizzie Borden was tried and acquitted for the 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Massachusetts. While Sullivan was the family’s live-in maid and was present on the property during the crimes, historians state there is no factual evidence to support the depiction of a romantic or criminal bond between the two women.
According to Cara Robertson, author of "The Trial of Lizzie Borden," Borden reportedly referred to Sullivan as "Maggie," the name of a previous employee, rather than her actual name. The theory of a romantic relationship between the two was first introduced in "Lizzie," a 1984 fictional novel by Evan Hunter. Speculation regarding Borden’s sexuality has persisted because she never married and later maintained a close relationship with actress Nance O'Neil.
The dramatization affects how audiences perceive the historical record of a high-profile unsolved murder case that has remained a fixture of true-crime lore for over 130 years. By introducing a fictional motive and a specific accomplice, the production changes the narrative for viewers who may not be familiar with the 1892 trial records or the lack of physical evidence that led to Borden's acquittal.
The scale of the actual historical event involved two fatalities and a legal proceeding that captivated the United States in the late 19th century. During the trial, Borden fainted when shown the skeletal remains of her parents, a moment that contributed to the intense public fervor surrounding the case. Because the prosecution could not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and no other person was ever charged, the legal resolution left the murders officially unsolved, a status the Netflix series replaces with a definitive, though fictional, depiction of joint guilt.
This production follows a trend in "true crime" media where historical gaps are filled with speculative subplots. Viewers will notice the contrast between the show’s portrayal of Sullivan as "worldly" and "liberal" and the historical accounts of her as a domestic worker whose primary documented involvement was providing testimony during the inquest and trial. The series is currently available for streaming, and its release may prompt renewed interest in the original trial transcripts and the biography of the real Bridget Sullivan.
"Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" began streaming on Netflix as of September 17, 2026. The production represents the latest entry in Ryan Murphy's anthology series, which previously covered other high-profile criminal cases.