“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is the new horror series created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. It stars Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez. With Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is yet another startling narrative brought to life by the masterful hands of screenwriters, producers, and directors Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy. Over the past few years, these creators have captivated audiences with similarly intense series, such as “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Their unique approach places us directly in the unsettling viewpoints of psychopaths and murderers, unflinchingly presenting these characters without drama or, crucially, any trace of compassion.
This style is evocative of the brilliant novels by Bret Easton Ellis, who unmercifully depicted an era teeming with psychosis and 1980s music. Brennan and Murphy revive this storytelling method, transporting us once again to California to unravel the horrifying true story of two brothers who choose to murder their parents. This series is based on the real-life 1989 case involving the murder of Jose Menendez and his wife, Maria “Kitty” Menendez.
About the Series
Building upon the same foundation as their series on the infamous psychopath Jeffrey Dahmer, Brennan and Murphy deliver a chilling narrative, but with a starkly different flavor. The grotesque and macabre elements here are infused with irony, dark humor, and the opulence of luxury cars, as we follow two affluent boys with troubled family dynamics who ultimately decide to kill their parents.
From the outset, it’s clear that the protagonists are not designed to elicit sympathy; they are portrayed as troubled youths making a harrowing decision, inspired merely by a film they have recently watched. However, the story is far more intricate, both psychologically and narratively.
Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy showcase their expertise in television, adeptly exploiting the morbid fascination inherent in true crime stories and transforming this real-life horror into a gripping cinematic experience. Utilizing the same elements found in any compelling true crime documentary, they relentlessly pursue shock value, unafraid to display the darkest aspects of human nature. They consistently breach the boundaries of propriety, delving into the most sinister corners of the human psyche.
It is important to note that this series transcends the typical true crime genre. It boasts high production values, with excellence permeating every aspect—from the stellar performances of the lead actors, Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, to Javier Bardem’s remarkable portrayal of a complex character: a successful, demanding, and violent father.
Our Opinion
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” stands as another testament to Ryan Murphy’s reign as the King of Television. He once again captivates with his signature blend of controversy, eccentricity, and unabashed morbidity. Yet, Murphy consistently delivers with unparalleled quality, a keen aesthetic sense, and superior production standards.
This series is quintessential Hollywood at its best, seamlessly blending elements reminiscent of Truman Capote and Bret Easton Ellis. Ryan Murphy continues to set the bar high, creating content that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning.
Where to Watch “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
