Lizzie (2018)

A psychological thriller based on the infamous 1892 murders of Lizzie Andrew Borden's family.

Director:

Craig William Macneill

Writer:

Bryce Kass

Stars:

Chloë Sevigny, Kristen Stewart, Jeff Perry

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chloë Sevigny	...	Lizzie Borden
Kristen Stewart	...	Bridget Sullivan
Jeff Perry	...	Andrew Jennings
Fiona Shaw	...	Abby Borden
Jamey Sheridan	...	Andrew Borden
Tara Ochs	...	Susan Gilbert
Kim Dickens	...	Emma Borden
Daniel Wachs	...	Dr. Bowen
Denis O'Hare	...	John Morse
Jody Matzer	...	Deputy Fleet
Don Henderson Baker	...	Marshall Hilliard
Jay Huguley	...	William Henry Moody
Roscoe Sandlin	...	Judge Blaisdell
Tom Thon	...	Professor Wood
Katharine Harrington	...	Matron

Storyline

In 1892, after the Borden family welcomes a new Irish maid called Bridget Sullivan (Kristen Stewart), she and Lizzie (Chloë Sevigny) become friends. The friendship between these women becomes something more, even as Lizzie's relationship with her own parents unravels at a frightening level.

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Plot Keywords:

1890s | lesbian | lesbian kiss | female nudity | oppression | 

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Taglines:

Her legend is written in blood. (Blu-Ray cover)

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and grisly images, nudity, a scene of sexuality and some language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Pieter Van Hees was originally announced as the film's director.

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Goofs

The end of the film states that Emma and Lizzie had a rift "soon after" the trial and became estranged, but it was actually 12 years later that Emma separated from Lizzie and moved out of their house forever. No one knows for sure what the rift was about, but it's believed by many that Emma discovered Lizzie really was guilty of the murders.

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Quotes

Andrew Borden: This attachment you've formed is unhealthy, and it must end.
Andrew Borden: Please don't force me to put it any more bluntly than that.
Lizzie Borden: Say exactly what you mean.
Lizzie Borden: I wanna hear you say it.
Andrew Borden: You're an abomination, Lizzie.
Lizzie Borden: And at last, we are on equal footing, father.

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Soundtracks

Ebben? Ne Andrò Lontana From 'La Wally', Act I
Written by Alfredo Catalani
Performed by Maria Luigia Borsi and the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yves Abel
Courtesy of Naxos
By arrangement with Source/Q

User Reviews

Very dry film about a famous crime

As good as the performances are in this film, for a long, long stretch it is very slow and staid. Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart are quite good as Lizzie Borden and Bridget Sullivan respectively. The film looks at Borden's relationship with Sullivan and speculates about its playing a central role in the notorious events that followed. A film taking place in 19th century New England, this is also an examination of how dreadfully repressive life was for women at that time. Sullivan is a household servant of the Borden family but soon finds herself being used in other ways in a patriarchal home.

The film is very much told from Lizzie Borden's standpoint, but does not give too much of a backstory, other than to portray her family as regarding her as insane and in need of institutionalization. In addition, giving the audience a more in-depth sense of Borden's life thereafter is something the film could have done and should have. With that kind of void, we are left wanting. Nevertheless, I recommend this to those curious enough about this story and anyone who admires the work of the two principals.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 September 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

Lizzie

Filming Locations:

Savannah, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$47,580, 16 September 2018

Gross USA:

$642,157

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$844,786

Company Credits

Production Co:

Powder Hound Pictures, Artina Films, Destro Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1