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💡 TLDR
Billie Lourd is channeling all the messy sisterly vibes as Emma Borden in Netflix’s new Lizzie Borden series. She’s basically sending major sympathy to Emma for having to deal with Lizzie’s chaotic life and drama!
Billie Lourd is diving headfirst into the dark history of Fall River, and honestly, her take on this historical drama is iconic. Playing Emma Borden in the new Netflix anthology series Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, Lourd is leaning hard into those messy, complex sisterly vibes that defined one of history’s most infamous families. Even though Lizzie was acquitted of murdering Andrew and Abby Borden back in 1892, things were clearly complicated behind the scenes for the sisters.
Sisterhood And Historical Drama
The bond between the Borden sisters was intense, especially since Emma stayed by Lizzie’s side throughout her trial. After Lizzie was cleared of the crimes, the pair moved into a massive 14-room house called Maplecroft in their hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts. However, that peace didn’t last forever; after a decade together, Emma eventually moved out because she disapproved of Lizzie’s relationship with actress Nance O’Neil. I’m sorry, girl. Lourd told E! News at the New York City premiere on September 16 when reflecting on the brutal reality Emma had to endure as the eldest sister.
💫 I'm sorry, girl.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Lourd says playing the role felt surprisingly natural thanks to her co-star Ella Beatty, who plays Lizzie. Lourd is obsessed with Beatty—the youngest child of Hollywood legends Warren Beatty and Annette Bening—calling her one of the most “magical creatures on this planet.” The connection happened instantly, making it easy to channel that deep, protective energy required for the role. For the 34-year-old actress, working with someone so warm made the emotional work feel effortless.
Ryan Murphy Knows Her Best
Lourd is no stranger to the spooky or the strange, having already spent seven seasons on American Horror Story and appearing in Scream Queen. It turns out creator Ryan Murphy has a knack for seeing her potential before she even realizes it herself. Lourd expressed how lucky she feels to have such variety in her career, noting that she has played everything from an aerobics instructor to a doctor under his direction.
She views this range as the ultimate gift, allowing her to constantly reinvent herself through every new character. Now, she’s adding a historical, religious, and somewhat quiet Borden sister to her impressive resume. You can catch the premiere of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story on Netflix starting September 17.
Do you think Emma was right to distance herself from Lizzie, or should she have stayed by her side?
❓ People Also Ask
What is the plot of the Netflix series Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story?
The Netflix anthology series Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story explores the dark historical drama surrounding the infamous Borden family in Fall River. The show focuses on the complex and messy relationship between sisters Lizzie and Emma Borden during the late 19th century. It highlights the intense sisterly vibes and the aftermath of the 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. Even though Lizzie was ultimately acquitted of the crimes, the series examines the complicated domestic realities the sisters faced together.
Why did Emma Borden eventually move out of the Maplecroft house?
Emma Borden moved out of the massive 14-room Maplecroft house because she disapproved of Lizzie Borden's relationship with actress Nance O'Neil. Although the two sisters lived together in Fall River, Massachusetts, for a decade following Lizzie's acquittal, their peace did not last forever. Emma's decision to distance herself from her sister marked a significant shift in their intense bond. This historical tension serves as a central element of the emotional drama portrayed in the new Netflix series.
How does Billie Lourd describe her experience working with Ella Beatty?
Billie Lourd describes working with co-star Ella Beatty as a natural and effortless experience that felt almost magical. Lourd expressed deep admiration for Beatty, calling her one of the most magical creatures on the planet. This instant connection helped Lourd channel the deep, protective energy required to play the role of Emma Borden. Because Beatty provided such a warm presence on set, Lourd found it much easier to navigate the heavy and emotional subject matter of the historical drama.
When can viewers watch the new Lizzie Borden series on Netflix?
Viewers can watch the premiere of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story on Netflix starting on September 17. This new anthology series features Billie Lourd in the role of Emma Borden alongside Ella Beatty, who portrays Lizzie. The production is part of a larger series created by Ryan Murphy, who has previously collaborated with Lourd on projects like American Horror Story. The show offers a historical look at one of history's most infamous families and their complicated sisterly dynamics.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: E! News