Welcome back my Movievaures! Today, we’re diving into Netflix’s latest true crime drama, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The second season of the Monster anthology series, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, returns with another disturbing, yet engrossing tale based on real-life events. Following the immense success and controversy of Dahmer, this new installment focuses on the infamous Menendez brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents in 1989. But before you get too deep into the details, let’s start with a spoiler-free review for those who are still deciding if they should tune in.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story takes us back to the shocking events of the late ’80s when brothers Lyle (played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik Menendez (Cooper Koch) were arrested for the brutal murders of their parents, José (Javier Bardem) and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny). The series delves into the twisted family dynamics, examining not just the crime itself but also the allegations of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that the brothers claim led them to commit these heinous acts.

Much like the first season with Dahmer, this show walks a fine line between recounting the brothers’ side of the story and questioning their motivations. Were Lyle and Erik truly victims of their parents’ abuse, or did they murder for money and freedom? The series leaves viewers to grapple with that question, presenting conflicting perspectives that make it difficult to form a clear judgment.

As with all Ryan Murphy productions, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is polished, with high production values, a star-studded cast, and a strong sense of atmosphere. Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny shine as the Menendez parents, delivering performances that are equal parts chilling and tragic. Their portrayal adds depth to the narrative, showing them not just as abusive monsters but as flawed individuals, adding to the emotional complexity of the story.

The series unfolds through multiple perspectives, but one of the more interesting approaches is the focus on Leslie Abramson (Sarah Paulson), the lawyer who represented Erik Menendez. Seeing some of the events through her eyes adds another layer of intrigue and bias, as the viewer is drawn into the moral and legal complications surrounding the case. This technique cleverly blurs the line between truth and manipulation, forcing us to question whose version of the story is closest to reality.

Since its premiere on September 19, 2024, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has generated a wave of mixed reactions. On one hand, it achieved global commercial success, debuting as the number one series on Netflix worldwide. Critics and audiences have praised the performances—especially those of Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch as the Menendez brothers. Their portrayals of the brothers have been lauded for capturing the psychological depth and emotional turmoil that define their characters.

However, not everyone is on board. The show has faced backlash, particularly from the Menendez family, who have called the series a “gross, anachronistic nightmare” that distorts the real story for dramatic effect. Erik Menendez himself has criticized the season for inaccuracies, especially in the portrayal of his brother Lyle. Despite these complaints, the series has maintained its popularity, with viewers drawn to the dark, voyeuristic appeal of true crime.

Going into this season, I wasn’t sure if I would watch it. After the controversy surrounding Dahmer, I felt uneasy about diving into another show that could potentially glorify or romanticize such a horrific crime. However, as someone who’s always been fascinated by true crime and has watched numerous documentaries and videos about the Menendez case, my curiosity got the better of me.

To my surprise, I found this season to be much more respectful than Dahmer. Yes, it still plays into the dramatization of true crime, but it manages to keep a more balanced perspective on the brothers’ guilt and the tragic nature of their upbringing. One thing that stood out to me is how the show doesn’t try too hard to make you like Lyle and Erik. Most of the time, they come across as deeply flawed individuals, capable of lying and manipulating others without remorse. At best, you pity them, but you’re never fully on their side.

So, what are your thoughts on Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story? Did you find the portrayal of the brothers fair, or do you think it leaned too much toward victimizing them? I’d love to hear your take, so feel free to drop a comment below! And if you haven’t yet, make sure to follow The Movievaures on Instagram for more reviews, updates, and everything you need to know about the latest in film and TV. Until next time, keep watching, and I’ll keep talking!

---