Hey, did you know that Saturday marks 126 years since Fall River native Lizzie Borden (allegedly) killed her dad and her stepmother? No? Well, it’s true. Roadside Attractions/Saban Films remembered, which is why they dropped a trailer for Craig William Macneill’s revisionist take on the Borden murders on Friday. It’s called Lizzie and stars Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart, so you know that people are going to lose their shit over this one. We saw the film back at Sundance, and this trailer does a pretty good job of hiding what the movie is actually like, but you should check it out, especially if you like finding out the truth about your favorite nursery rhymes.
Take a look:
So, yeah, that’s a pretty decent trailer for a mediocre movie. We were once very excited for this, which is why it hurt to write our Sundance review back in January.
You’d think with a cast like that and a lurid subject material like what we’ve got here — especially given how the Borden murders occur in the context of the film — Macneill would be able to play to its strengths. His pacing is elongated and, frankly, boring, and he manages to squander two great talents in the process. We’re not trying to discourage you from seeing the film, however, we just sort of want you to prepare yourself for the possibility that you too might hate it.
Here’s a synopsis: “Academy Award nominee Chloë Sevigny (‘Boys Don’t Cry’, ‘Big Love’) stars as Lizzie Borden, the notorious woman at the heart of one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. After a lifetime of loneliness, Lizzie finds a kindred spirit in housemaid Bridget Sullivan (Kristen Stewart) and their secret intimacy sparks an unthinkable act. Director Craig William Macneill explores the days leading up to the savage crimes in a dark tale of repression, exploitation and thwarted dreams.”
Lizzie hits theaters on September 14.
Featured image via Roadside Attractions/Saban Films/Sundance.