Watch Lizzie Borden Took an Ax
- TV-14
- 2014
- 1 hr 27 min
-
5.8 (5,700)
Lizzie Borden Took an Ax is a gripping thriller which premiered on Lifetime television in 2014. The film, based on a true story, explores the disturbing events leading up to and following the murder of Lizzie Borden's father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892. The movie opens with Lizzie Borden, played by Christina Ricci, waking up on the morning of August 4th, 1892, to discover that her father, Andrew Borden, and stepmother, Abby Durfee Gray Borden, have been brutally murdered in their home. Lizzie is quickly thrown under suspicion by the authorities and the community, and the townspeople begin to gossip about her at every opportunity.
Despite evidence pointing to Lizzie's guilt, her defense team is convinced of her innocence and works tirelessly to prove it. Lizzie's lawyer, Andrew Jennings, is played by the talented Gregg Henry, who brings a sense of urgency and conviction to the role. Jennings is determined to exonerate his client, no matter the cost.
The film's intensity is heightened by the depiction of Lizzie's strained relationship with her family. Her father is shown to be a miserly and controlling man who locks his daughters out of the family's finances. Lizzie's stepmother, meanwhile, is portrayed as manipulative and haughty. The audience is left to wonder who would have committed such a heinous crime against these two people.
As the investigation continues, more and more evidence is found against Lizzie, including a hatchet with bloodstains that matches the size and shape of the one believed to have been used in the murders. Despite this, Lizzie maintains her innocence, and the tension builds as she struggles to clear her name.
The film is not without its flaws, however. Some critics have noted that the pacing of the movie is uneven, with parts feeling rushed and others dragging. There is also a lack of depth in some of the characters, with Lizzie's sister and her maid feeling underdeveloped.
Despite these criticisms, the movie is redeemed by the performances of Christina Ricci and Clea DuVall. Ricci brings a nuanced performance to the role of Lizzie Borden, capturing the character's ambiguity and complexity. DuVall, who plays Lizzie's older sister Emma, is equally impressive, conveying a sense of quiet dignity and inner turmoil.
One of the film's most impressive features is its aesthetic. The production design and costuming are both impeccable, evoking the time period and creating an immersive experience for the audience. The movie also makes use of intense close-ups and moody lighting to heighten the tension.
Overall, Lizzie Borden Took an Ax is a gripping thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While it may not be perfect, its strengths more than make up for its weaknesses. Christina Ricci's performance is a standout, and the film's striking visuals help to create an unsettling atmosphere. Fans of true crime dramas and period pieces will find much to enjoy here.
Lizzie Borden Took an Ax is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.