Charlie Hunnam, an actor no stranger to inhabiting the darker corners of the human psyche, found himself immersed in a chilling role as Andrew Borden in the latest season of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s acclaimed Netflix anthology, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. Hunnam was already deep into his transformative portrayal of serial killer Ed Gein for Monster season three when the opportunity to delve into the notorious Borden case arose. The transition, he notes, was less about a difficult decision and more about the magnetic pull of a compelling creative team.
"We had actually been having a conversation about another show that he [Ryan Murphy] was doing, and he’d asked me to read this book and we were talking about that other show," Hunnam recounted to The Hollywood Reporter. "I thought we were getting on the phone to discuss that, and he went, ‘We can discuss that, but I’ve had another idea that I think is better.’ So then he pitched me this season of Monster."
This latest installment of the Monster series tackles the infamous 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts, a case that has captivated and confounded the public for over a century. While Hunnam’s previous role as Ed Gein offered a wealth of psychological studies, court documents, and recorded interviews to draw from, his research for Andrew Borden presented a starkly different challenge.
The Enigmatic Andrew Borden: A Lack of Definitive Portrait
"Honestly, almost nothing," Hunnam stated when asked about the available research on Andrew Borden. "There’s so little known about Andrew Borden. He really was sort of a reclusive, anti-social character." This scarcity of historical data, he explained, was both a limitation and a creative liberation. Unlike the extensively documented life of Ed Gein, Andrew Borden’s past offered a blank canvas, allowing the creative team to construct a version of the character that best served the narrative’s exploration of Lizzie Borden’s motivations.
"Even the people who were wildly speculating at the time – because, obviously, this was a huge story in Massachusetts, and nationally, when it happened – nobody really knew too much about him," Hunnam elaborated. "I think he was just a guy who had fallen into his own prison of grief and resentment after his wife died that he never got out of, and was never able to escape."
The lack of concrete biographical details meant that Hunnam and the show’s creators, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, had the unique opportunity to speculate on the dynamics within the Borden household that might have contributed to the tragic events. "We got to create the version of Andrew that was most impactful for Lizzie’s story, and to try to speculate what it was about him and that household that drove Lizzie to do what she did," Hunnam said. This approach allowed for a deeper examination of the psychological underpinnings of the crime, even if it meant diverging from strict historical accuracy in favor of dramatic impact.
A Creative Partnership: Hunnam and the Monster Team
Hunnam’s decision to join The Lizzie Borden Story was heavily influenced by his positive experience working on the Ed Gein season. "The [Ed Gein] season that I had done prior to this was so difficult, and took everything that I had to offer," he admitted. "I just had an amazing time with the creative team. I think Ian [Brennan] is the best writer out there, and I knew [director] Max Winkler, who’s my dear friend, and, at this point, sort of my creative partner. So with the team, writ large, it just seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up getting the opportunity to work with them again."
This collaborative spirit is evident in the show’s approach to the Borden murders. While the historical record remains inconclusive, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story adopts a narrative stance that strongly suggests Lizzie Borden’s guilt. "After doing all of their research, Ian and Ryan felt more than likely that Lizzie was responsible. Which I do, too," Hunnam confirmed. "But, a lot of my understanding comes through the conversations that I had with them, so that’s unsurprising."
The Infamous Case: A Historical Overview
The Borden murders remain one of America’s most enduring true-crime mysteries. On August 4, 1892, Andrew Borden, a wealthy businessman, and his second wife, Abby, were found brutally murdered in their home at 92 Second Street in Fall River. Andrew Borden was struck multiple times with an axe, while Abby Borden, who was in an upstairs bedroom, suffered numerous blows as well.
Lizzie Borden, Andrew’s younger daughter from his first marriage, was the one who discovered the bodies and alerted authorities. The subsequent investigation and trial captivated the nation. Key to the prosecution’s case was the idea that Lizzie had a motive, stemming from alleged mistreatment and financial disputes within the family. However, the evidence was largely circumstantial. The murder weapon was never definitively identified, and Lizzie’s demeanor both before and after the murders drew considerable public scrutiny.
Despite a sensational trial, Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murders on June 20, 1893. The acquittal, which shocked many at the time, fueled decades of speculation and debate. Theories have ranged from Lizzie acting alone, to a conspiracy involving other family members or even a stranger. The lack of a conclusive resolution has cemented the case’s place in American folklore and true-crime history.
Navigating the Brutality: Filming the Murders and Beyond
When asked about the most challenging scenes to film in the early episodes, Hunnam pointed to moments that delved into Andrew Borden’s inner turmoil rather than the immediate violence. "Well, there’s one later episode that really does a deep dive into Andrew’s perspective and his experience of life that goes between a couple of different time periods of his life," he revealed. "That was the most difficult stuff to do, because it was the most emotional, and honest and raw that Andrew is. There’s some scenes in there, I haven’t seen them yet, but that felt really satisfying to shoot, and certainly were the most challenging."
The show does not shy away from the visceral nature of the crimes. One particularly impactful early scene depicts Andrew Borden’s explosive rage directed at Lizzie after the accidental death of some doves. This moment, where he throws an axe perilously close to her, serves as a potent illustration of the simmering tensions within the household.
A Promising Young Talent: Hunnam on Ella Beatty
Hunnam’s scenes with Ella Beatty, who portrays Lizzie Borden, were central to his experience on set. He lauded Beatty’s talent and professionalism, especially considering her youth. "She’s amazing. She really has it going on," Hunnam said. "Not only is she just so talented and disciplined, and hardworking and committed, but she’s got such poise. She’s pretty young still, and she has a sure-footedness about her that is really noticeable. You’re like, ‘I wish I had had that level of poise and self-awareness when I was her age.’ She’s pretty amazing, and incredibly smart with a good sense of humor. She’s just very elegant in the way she conducts herself."
He further emphasized the widespread praise for Beatty within the production. "It was clear from day one. I’d heard from Max and Ian and Ryan that they were just so thrilled to have her playing Lizzie. I heard nothing but glowing endorsements and reviews of her as a person, and as an artist, and then I stepped on set the first day, I said, ‘Okay, this girl’s pretty damn fantastic.’"
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story and the True Crime Phenomenon
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is the latest in a long line of productions to explore the enduring fascination with the Borden case. The story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, films, and television series, each attempting to unravel the mystery and offer a definitive interpretation of events. The continued public interest in such cases speaks to a broader cultural fascination with the darker aspects of human nature, the psychology of violence, and the enduring power of unsolved or controversial crimes.
The Monster anthology series, under Murphy and Brennan, has carved out a niche by focusing on real-life figures who have committed monstrous acts, often delving into the psychological and societal factors that may have contributed to their actions. By presenting these narratives through a dramatic lens, the series aims to provoke thought and discussion, even as it navigates the ethical considerations of dramatizing real-life tragedies.
The success of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story can be attributed not only to its compelling subject matter but also to its meticulous production values and strong performances. The show’s willingness to explore controversial interpretations and delve into the complexities of its characters, even those historically shrouded in ambiguity, ensures its place within the ongoing discourse surrounding true crime and its representation in popular culture.
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is now streaming all episodes on Netflix, inviting audiences to engage with one of history’s most perplexing criminal cases through a new and compelling dramatic interpretation. The series serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power of historical mysteries and the ongoing human desire to understand the motivations behind unimaginable acts.
