Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, is Ryan Murphy’s newest Netflix release. This season is the second of his previous work, Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez story is a fictional biography of the true crime committed by Lyle and Erik Menendez.
Erik, 53 and Lyle, 56 are currently serving their sentences of life in prison without possibility of parole after the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills mansion.
The show begins with depicting the life of the Menendez family, who appear to be living the ‘American dream’ in Beverly Hills, California. Jose Menendez was a very successful businessman and executive vice president for the car rental company Hertz, while Kitty Menendez was a full time homemaker. Lyle in his second year at Princeton university and Erik on his way to UCLA.
However as the story unfolds, see that the Menendez family is not as perfect as it seems, and in reality hides a lifelong abusive family dynamic. Lyle and Erik endured much abuse in their lives from both of their parents, Jose and Kitty. Defendants say that the abuse that occurred throughout the brothers’ lives was the sole reason for the killings. Prosecutors argue that the boys did it for the money and for the large inheritance that they would gain once their parents passed.
The show covered Lyle and Eriks story through a dramatized, Hollywood film style while still tieing in key points from the case. The courtroom scenes captivated the audience and were extremely emotional. These scenes conveyed the intense media frenzy that surrounded the trial at the time. The defense team highlighted the alleged abuse that the brothers suffered through, showing the moral and ethical issues that the jury and public faced.
The directors do not dismiss the controversial aspects of the case, with the debate on whether the brothers are truly cold-blooded, heartless murderers who wanted nothing but the money. This balanced approach from both the defendants and prosecutor point of view allowed viewers to form their own opinions about the case, with the evidence presented.
The actors’ performance and portrayal of the people involved in this case are noteworthy. Cooper Koch, playing Erik Menendez did a fantastic job in this role. In episode five of Monsters, Koch had a no cut, 30 minute scene where he portrayed Erik Menendez, focusing on his emotional and psychological struggles leading up to the murder of his parents.
Nicholas Alexander Chavez played the role of Lyle Menendez. Chavez’s performance shows both Lyles vulnerability and his darker sides. The portrayal highlights his tense relationship with his parents and emotional struggles, giving reasons for the tragic event.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has brought many news eyes to the Menendez case, and because of the popularity, the Menendez brothers may have a new shot at freedom. The district attorney of Los Angeles, George Gascón has recently recommended a resentencing of the Menendez brothers to the new judge of their case. Mark Gargos has also asked governor Gavin Newsom for clemency. Both support the soon release of the brothers.
Many are watching and waiting to see the new fate of the Menendez brothers and this new chance at freedom. Some still believe that the brothers deserve to spend the rest of their lives in prison while others believe that justice should be served once and for all for Lyle and Erik Menendez
