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More than a century before O.J. Simpson’s infamous 1995 murder trial, Lizzie Borden was put on trial for the 1892 murders of her family in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her acquittal led to controversy and outrage—as well as mystery and speculation. And the biopic Lizzie provides one view of what really happened.
Lizzie stars Chloë Sevigny as the prime suspect in the unsolved murders of her father (Jamey Sheridan) and stepmother (Fiona Shaw). Here, in the months leading up to their murders, Lizzie struggles with public “spells,” though she manages to find friendship and support from her relationship with the family’s new maid, Bridget Sullivan (Kristen Stewart). But the women in the household are controlled (and sometimes abused) but the family’s patriarch—and as Lizzie and Bridget build a stronger bond, they face more serious consequences.
All these years after Lizzie Borden’s death, the mystery still remains. Did Lizzie commit these gruesome murders? And if she did, why? Unfortunately, though, Lizzie and her sister both died single and childless—and, unlike O.J., Lizzie never wrote a thinly-veiled confession. Lizzie, then, is built on speculation, taking some hints and observations and rumors and building them into a story. It seems intent on making the story culturally relevant while shocking viewers with its assumption that Lizzie’s relationship with Bridget was more than just a platonic friendship. But, in 2018, a film needs a whole lot more than just a homosexual relationship (even one involving a historical figure) to shock and captivate audiences. Instead, it simply feels like it’s trying (in vain) to be scandalous.
Without the excitement of scandal, then, what’s left is an eerie and tense but otherwise drab drama. Though some of the characters are fittingly creepy, none of them are especially fascinating—or even likable. Stewart is as scowling and moody as ever, and while Sevigny has her share of strong moments as Lizzie, she often feels somewhat understated for someone who’s supposed to have the strength and will to kill her parents with an axe and cover up the evidence. And even Lizzie’s father, whose actions are unforgivable, makes a surprisingly weak villain. Add the uninspiring characters to a hazy story, and, in the end, viewers will mostly feel indifference toward the characters and their fate.
The tale of the Borden family is definitely intriguing—and if you’re fascinated by the case, you’ll want to check out the theory that’s portrayed in Lizzie. But it isn’t the gripping thriller or moving historical drama that you may be expecting.
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