Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story spins a wild and crazy story of two spoiled rich kids convicted of murdering their parents.
What is Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story about?
The Menéndez story is the second installment of the Monster anthology series. The creators, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan tackle another high-profile case that captivated the nation in the ’90s. The limited series follows the events leading up to and after Lyle and Erik killed their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez. Both were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Review
As mentioned above, this is the second season of the Monster anthology series. The first season, Dahmer, follows the crimes notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and he evaded arrest for so long. Due to the subject matter of the first season, the series was quite dark. At times it was hard to watch, but the acting and cinematography was outstanding.
In contrast, the Menendez story is a roller coaster. At times the series is quirky as with the scene of Lyle choosing Milli Vanilli’s Girl, I’m Gonna Miss You to play during the slide show at his parent’s funeral. And if you’re wondering, yes that did happen. Then later in the same episode, we see exactly what they did to their parents, which was chilling. After that most of the series focuses on their so-called abuse from their parents.
Seen through the eyes of Lyle and Erik, most of the series portrays them as victims. The showrunners did a good job of making you believe their motives were pure. Notably, episode five is mainly Erik giving an account of the sexual abuse and the torture he experienced through his childhood. Most of the series made it seem that the brothers were weird and traumatized because their parents made them that way. You felt sorry for them.
On the other hand, José and Kitty are portrayed as crazy people who lived only to torture their kids. Which we later find out was not true. This is a little insulting to those who have actually suffered sexual abuse. While we see glimpses of their premeditation, only in the last episode do you really understand the true character of the parents. Even though the acting and the writing was good, I wish they would have painted the parents in a better light.
Although it’s not as good as the first season, it’s still entertaining to watch. At times, the characters can seem a little comical, especially Lyle and Erik. However, it reveals just how unhinged they both were. In addition, some may find it hard to follow. They do demonstrate every defense the brothers used to justify their actions.
Currently, you can stream all nine episodes of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix.
What is Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story rated?
The film has a rating of R for child abuse, language, nudity, sex, smoking, substance abuse and violence.
Does Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story have an end-credit scene?
No, there are no mid or post credits at the end of either of the episodes.
