Sundance Review: The Lizzie Borden Movie LIZZIE is a Poor Take on an Old Legend

We all know the story of Lizzie Borden, who was believed to have murdered her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892. Many people over the years have speculated about whether she really did commit the crime, and if so, what her motive was. One such theory is that Lizzie was romantically involved with the maid, Bridget Sullivan. This bold concept is the inspiration for the film simply titled Lizzie.

Lizzie Borden is played by Chloe Sevigny, with Kristen Stewart playing the demure housemaid, Bridget. This was an interesting casting choice that didn't work, in my opinion. Stewart is great in roles with minimal dialogue, and this was no exception. However, she doesn't look like a shy, innocent maid. Her sharp eyes make her look like she's constantly plotting something sinister. Meanwhile, Sevigny does a fine job as Lizzie, but any time the two are on camera together, it feels like a contest to see who can speak the least.

Lizzie is an artsy period piece full of frustratingly long pauses and attempts at making an old legend modern and erotic. It just doesn't work. It feels like the writers are grasping at straws, and instead of creating intrigue by presenting a possible scenario that drove Lizzie to murder her parents, it makes the whole story seem far less interesting.