Director Max Winkler discusses his approach to crafting Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, a Netflix series about the 1892 case of Lizzie Borden, who was accused and later acquitted of murdering her parents with an axe. The latest season of the Monster anthology takes a more overtly comedic tone than previous instalments, with extremely dark humour paired with a distinctive visual language that makes the series both entertaining and visually striking.

Winkler drew inspiration from classic filmmakers including Powell and Pressburger (known for The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus) and director Joe Wright's work on films such as Pride & Prejudice and Atonement. Working with cinematographer Michael Bauman, who received an Oscar nomination this year, Winkler deliberately crafted a "berserk and crazy" aesthetic with dynamic camera movements and theatrical lighting. He also discussed filming a challenging vomiting scene and emphasised that he views the series fundamentally as a love story at its core, citing influences ranging from Age of Innocence to the rhythm and physical comedy of the play Noises Off.