Born on July 19, 1860, Lizzie Borden was a simple girl living in Massachusetts with her father, stepmother, and sister. The family was well off, thanks to Andrew Borden (Lizzie’s father) having success in real estate and manufacturing. However, the relationship between the daughters and Abby Borden (their stepmother) were tenuous at best, believing her intentions were impure. Lizzie and Emma believed that Abby’s family was after the family fortune, so they worked to protect their father’s properties. Then, on August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found murdered, having been mutilated by a hatchet. Lizzie was indicted for the murders in December 1892, and was brought to trial in June the following year. However, without a conclusive testimony from witnesses or substantial evidence, Lizzie was acquitted on June 20, 1893. Over the next century, many adaptations of these events were made, including a 2018 movie simply called Lizzie.
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Taking place six months before the murders, the film focuses on Lizzie Borden (Chloë Sevigny), a social outcast and recluse. She lives with her father Andrew (Jamey Sheridan), her stepmother Abby (Fiona Shaw), and her sister Emma (Kim Dickens). One day, a young Irish woman named Bridget (Kristen Stewart) comes to the Borden house wanting a housemaid job. As time goes on, we see the relationships in the Borden family start to deteriorate. Lizzie is a recluse who finds solace in her pet pigeons, but is constantly arguing with her father. Eventually, Lizzie and Bridget start becoming close, leading to a relationship that the father objects to. At the same time, Lizzie’s Uncle John (Denis O’Hare) is clearly after her father’s money despite her stepmother’s objections. The abuse Lizzie is subjected to, combined with Bridget being sexually abused by Andrew Borden, ultimately culminates in the murders.
Of course, there’s more to the plot than what I went over, but I don’t want to spoil everything. At around an hour and 45 minutes, this movie is packed with tons of plot points. That being said, the first 20-30 minutes of the movie can be pretty slow and drag for a while. However, just as the movie has you in a lull, it hits you over the head and gets you hooked. Even knowing the full story and how it ends, it’s still an intriguing story seeing what led to the murders. From my understanding, the movie does follow the historical events fairly accurately, but I’m sure they changed some elements. Some will certainly be upset if this movie isn’t 100% accurate, but regardless, this film is still a good watch. Given the society we live in currently, this movie definitely appeals to the #MeToo movement.
What really makes this movie work is its stellar cast, especially Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart. Given this was something of a passion project for Sevigny, it shouldn’t come as a surprise her performance is outstanding. At times, she’s sympathetic and afraid, but at other times, she’s very chilling and unfeeling. Stewart also does a good job, playing the more rational one who care for Lizzie, but objects to her actions. Sheridan does a great job at playing a detestable character, and Shaw also delivers as an awful person. Craig William Macneill’s direction is great, effectively capturing the mood and tension one would expect. Bryce Kass’s writing is also spot-on, with some sharp dialogue and great material to flesh the characters out. Overall, Lizzie is a solid character piece of one of history’s most infamous murders and those behind the murders.
