Vicky Krieps opens up about her roles in Ryan Murphy's new series 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' and her upcoming projects.
On September 18, 2026, The Hollywood Reporter revealed Vicky Krieps’ insights into her upcoming role in Netflix’s ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.’ The series is part of Ryan Murphy’s ongoing anthology and aims to explore female perspectives in narratives typically dominated by men.
As the actress known for her role in ‘Phantom Thread,’ Krieps described how her involvement in the Lizzie Borden project reflects a commitment to feminist storytelling. She mentioned that her roles will delve into the complex lives of women often viewed as ‘bad’ or rebellious, asserting that these narratives are underrepresented in film and television.
Krieps shared her excitement about collaborating with Ryan Murphy, stating that Murphy aims to create a series that prioritizes female experiences. She noted his promise to encapsulate the punk component of these rebellious women by emphasizing their defiance and complexity. Murphy’s pitch included exploring Borden’s innocence, suggesting that the narrative allows for ambiguity around her guilt and agency, further providing a contemporary lens to historical events.
Krieps plays dual roles in this expression of female rage—both as Bridget "Maggie" Sullivan, the Borden family maid, and as Elizabeth Báthory, a historical figure known for her dark legacy. Her roles challenge audiences' perceptions of women in history and provoke conversations about autonomy and morality.
The anticipated release of ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ aligns with the industry’s growing interest in narratives centered on women's experiences, particularly those that challenge societal norms. As Krieps suggested, this series portrays women who embrace their imperfections and desires, resonating with contemporary viewers and providing a bold depiction of female empowerment and rebellion against patriarchal confines.
Krieps also emphasized how these stories could open dialogues about female representation, stating, “What if women wouldn't apologize? What if women just went for it?” Such commentary highlights the potential for ‘Monster’ to entertain while engaging in cultural discourse regarding women’s rights and societal expectations.
In addition to ‘Monster,’ Krieps is involved in several exciting projects, including Bradley Cooper’s Ocean's Eleven prequel and an upcoming film titled ‘The Idiot(s).’ She described her recent experiences, highlighting an invigorating collaboration process and emphasizing the warmth within her current ensemble cast. This extension of her career reflects Krieps' intent to straddle both American and European cinema, creating a multifaceted portfolio that resonates with her artistic instincts.
With her hard-won wisdom from navigating Hollywood and European cinema, Krieps stated, "I would fight for [these projects] until the very end of my life," reinforcing her dedication to impactful storytelling, especially for women. As she reflects on her intentions in selecting roles, it's evident that Krieps seeks to make a statement through her filmography while exploring varied representations of femininity and empowerment.
‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ is positioned to attract attention not only for its historical content but also for its contemporary relevance in discussions on female identity and agency. Now streaming on Netflix, audiences can expect a bold narrative that challenges conventional portrayals of women, a theme Krieps and Murphy advocate passionately.
For further insights into the series, see related articles on the punk feminism of ‘Monster’ and the creator’s long-term plans for the franchise.
Ryan Murphy's ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ Centers Female Rage
‘Monster’ Creator Ian Brennan Reveals 10-Season Plan and Focus on Lizzie Borden
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
