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‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ is the second installment of Ryan Murphy‘s ‘Monsters’ anthology on Netflix, and it delivers a haunting retelling of the infamous Menendez murders that took place in Beverly Hills in 1989. The series delves deep into the psychological complexities of Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik (Cooper Koch), the Menendez brothers who brutally killed their parents. Murphy crafts a narrative that balances chilling crime drama with an exploration of familial trauma, making this a compelling and thought-provoking watch for fans of true crime. The show’s portrayal of the brothers blurs the lines between perpetrators and victims, leaving viewers questioning the true motivations behind the crime. However, some may find the series pushes boundaries for shock value, raising the question of whether the intense portrayal was necessary or simply for shock factor purposes. If you’re drawn to darker explorations of human nature, this chilling series is sure to leave an impact.
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‘MONSTERS’
The ‘Monsters’ anthology series focuses on real-life criminal cases that captured the media and public’s attention, retelling them with a chilling, dramatic twist. The first installment, ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’, highlighted the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, with an intense and haunting portrayal by Evan Peters. Despite facing significant controversy for its graphic content and perceived exploitation of true-crime stories, the series received critical acclaim, earning numerous award nominations, including 1 BAFTA, 1 Critics Choice Award, 2 Screen Actors Guild Awards, 13 Primetime Emmy, and 4 Golden Globe Awards nominations.
REAL LIFE
Lyle and Erik Menendez grew up in an affluent and privileged household. Their mother, Kitty Menendez (portrayed by Chloë Sevigny in the series), was a socialite, while their father, José Menendez (played by Javier Bardem), was a powerful and highly successful entertainment executive. In 1989, the brothers shocked the world by fatally shooting their parents as they sat watching television in their Beverly Hills mansion. Initially, there were no real suspects, as the crime seemed quite inexplicable. However, suspicion quickly pointed at the brothers when they embarked on an extravagant spending spree right after the murders, raising eyebrows and leading to their eventual arrest. Before long, Lyle and Erik were behind bars, awaiting trial for the brutal murders that would become one of the most high-profile cases of the era.
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THE SHOW
In ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’, creator Ryan Murphy decided to dive into the very dark elements of the story, shifting the focus from the crime itself to the emotional and psychological dynamics that drove the brothers. At the center of the story is the complicated relationship between Lyle and Erik and the toxic family environment they grew up in. While this installment is less graphic than the first ‘Monsters’ season, it still explores the chilling aspects of the case through disturbing dialogue and nuanced character development. The series balances the psychological tension with gripping performances. Although less reliant on gruesome details, the second season is just as haunting, focusing on the very vivid descriptions and the emotional toll of the abuse they suffered. The show skillfully makes viewers feel both sympathy for the brothers and skepticism about their motives. Despite the dramatic liberties taken, ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ successfully delivers a compelling and unsettling narrative that blurs the lines between victim and villain and leaves it up to the audience to reach their own verdict.
PERFORMANCES OF A LIFETIME
The performances in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ are undoubtedly the standout element of the entire season. Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch deliver phenomenal portrayals of Lyle and Erik, fully embodying the complexity of their characters. They masterfully navigate the duality of the brothers—depicting them both as victims of the horrific abuse they claim to have suffered and as the cold-blooded murderers who brutally killed their parents. Their ability to balance these conflicting aspects makes their performances captivating and emotionally charged.
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Javier Bardem’s portrayal of José Menendez is chilling, as he effectively brings to life a father whose domineering and abusive nature leaves a lasting impact on his sons. His performance is so powerful that it evokes both anger and disgust, making him a character viewers will despise. Similarly, Chloë Sevigny as Kitty Menendez is hauntingly distant, her character consumed by her own emotional struggles. Sevigny captures the audience’s sympathy and frustration, as Kitty’s inability to control her family’s unraveling makes her both pitiable and tragic.
The supporting cast adds further depth to the narrative, complementing the main characters in a way that enhances the emotional intricacy of the story. A truly strong ensemble cast succeeds when it can evoke conflicting feelings—both rooting for and against the characters—and this cast achieves just that, making their performances the most compelling aspect of the entire season.
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VISUALS
Matthew Flood Ferguson’s production design in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ is exceptional, transporting viewers straight into the opulent world of 1980s Beverly Hills. The Menendez mansion, with its lavish interiors, grand cars, and luxury settings, sharply contrasts with the sad and simple design of the prison where the brothers eventually end up. This visual contrast effectively highlights the dramatic shift in the brothers’ lives, from wealth and privilege to confinement. The production design not only enhances the authenticity of the period but also deepens the emotional resonance of the narrative.
The cinematography plays an equally crucial role in setting the series’ tone. In the early episodes, warm, vibrant colors are used to showcase the brothers’ indulgent lifestyle, capturing the allure of their affluent world. As the story unfolds and the darker elements of their lives, including the abuse, are revealed, the colors become more muted. This visual shift mirrors the brothers’ emotional imprisonment long before they are physically behind bars. The mansion itself begins to feel less like a home and more like a prison, mirroring the cold reality of their lives. The visuals are instrumental in building tension and emotional depth.
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THE VERDICT
In conclusion, ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ succeeds in offering a chilling, thought-provoking portrayal of one of America’s most infamous family murders. Ryan Murphy‘s decision to focus on the psychological complexities of the brothers and their family dynamic adds depth to the narrative, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. The standout performances by Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch as Lyle and Erik bring an emotional intensity to the story, humanizing the brothers while also depicting their darker sides. Whether you’re drawn to true-crime dramas or psychological explorations of human behavior, ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ delivers an unsettling yet deeply compelling viewing experience.
Cast: Cooper Koch, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Javier Bardem, Chloë Sevigny, Dallas Roberts, Leslie Grossman, Ari Graynor
Cinematography: Jason McCormick, Barry Baz Idoine | Director: Paris Barclay, Carl Franklin, Michael Uppendahl, Ian Brennan, Max Winkler | Writer: Ian Brennan, Ryan Murphy, David McMillan, Reilly Smith, Todd Kubrak | Producers: Ian Brennan, Ryan Murphy, David McMillan, Tanase Popa, Lou Eyrich, Eric Kovtun, Todd Kubrak, Alexis Martin Woodall, Todd Nenninger, Scott Robertson, Reilly Smith, Sara Stelwagen, Javier Bardem, Genevieve Fontaine, Jason McCormick, Caroline Mescon, Louise Shore, Peggy Tachdjian, Danielle Wang, Carl Franklin, Erik Holmberg, Paris Barclay, Michael Uppendahl, Max Winkler
By Julia Maia
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