Is Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story a Good Show?
The Menendez Brothers story, one of the most compelling True Crime saga stories has always been intriguing. But does the Netflix production of the show by creator Ryan Murphy accurately depict that infamous event or take the same route as the Dahmer show?
There are a number of Ryan Murphy true crime shows out there, but many critics argue that this one misses the mark. This is mainly due to the inconsistent portrayal of the main characters (the Menendez Brothers, specifically Erik and Lyle Menendez who in 1989 murdered their parents Jose Menendez and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez. ) The storyline, for the first few episodes focuses on how Erik Menendez felt racked with guilt following the murder. The storyline is intended to showcase the complexity of those two characters as they struggle to understand what it meant to commit murder - even more so as they try to get away with murder.
How Was Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story Criticized?
As the show goes on, it begins to portray the brothers with mixed and contrasting emotions and actions. For instance, viewers can see Lyle attempt to capitalize on his situation, attempting to get publicity and acquire wealth if he were to get out of prison - at the same time his brother (Erik) struggles with guilt and fear for his life.
The show is intended to explore a range of complex issues related to abuse (i.e. sexual abuse, emotional abuse and emotional revelations that show just how all over the map Lyle and Erik behavior is, ultimately underscoring those moments that were fueled by real-life claims as the show moves through those complexities, its purpose seemed to glorify the gruesome nature of their deaths .
Who is in The Cast of Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story?
Fans of Monsters will recognize several big stars in this show, with a roster that includes Cooper Koch (the Monsters show marks a return to the spotlight for this performer, as he is known for a long-term acting career across television. He's also been seen on a number of other popular shows - including one which showcases his comedic range - the Disney show "The Suite Life of Zach & Cody"). Joining Koch are some of Hollywood's finest - including Nicholas Alexander Chavez (an actor whose work on General Hospital is highly-recognized by fans) Ari Graynor (a standout performer whose role as Leslie was highly praised), Nathan Lane (known for his incredible role in The Birdcage) and a powerful performance by Javier Bardem. The series aims to depict the Menendez brothers story, showing off their unique chemistry.
While there are several iconic names across Hollywood's acting scene who star in Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story, the story is heavily focused on the Menendez brothers, whose role as a villain and, arguably, the victim - is brought into question across each episode as the storyline is meant to take viewers through several complexities - especially as they were convicted of killing their parents.
Was There a Positive Side To Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story?
While there was some positive reception, as well as mixed responses towards the series - most critiques emphasized how the storyline felt like a repetitive slog that failed to grab the attention or generate that "oomph." The series missed a crucial opportunity to showcase those compelling aspects and those real-life true-crime drama series that keep audiences invested and emotionally engaged - something which is heavily apparent with the likes of American Crime Story and its retelling of a more recent case - the "Dahmer" case (that detailed Ed Gein and several others stories).
However, that does not mean that it is a terrible show. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, does showcase the potential for these shows and its creator. Ryan Murphy - despite several controversies - continues to be a leading figure across several production houses in Hollywood.
Does the Show Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Explore Those True Stories With Sensitivity?
While the show's creators are known for tackling those stories, which can sometimes seem controversial, many critiques focused on the "Monster" anthology and felt that this season, specifically, had a number of shortcomings as they emphasized the fact that it failed to address those complex topics (including abuse and how it could influence one's behaviors). Critics also made note of the "Monster" anthology franchise itself and the manner in which they present their narrative and storylines - ultimately the series' creators didn't quite know how to handle those topics - as they made several missteps. For instance, there is an "insensitive handling" of abuse. The show fails to explore those themes - or any of its characters (Monsters) with any kind of depth, despite several efforts to cite his abuse. Many argue that Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story, missed an opportunity to delve into these issues.
Overall, critics felt that the show was simply a salacious story and not a true-crime drama series. As much as Ryan Murphy true crime shows have gained some acclaim - this one failed to capture those elements and did not accurately showcase "accurate adaptations" of those "important details" , and didn't present the jury "decision-making" in any meaningful way.
Is Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Really That Bad?
The "Monsters" anthology franchise, in particular its focus on the Menendez brothers story, had the potential to be something very special - even if it did not turn out that way. It "undermines the emotions" and does not seem to grasp those key emotional moments - especially as the creators aimed to showcase the "emotional revelations." For instance, it could have highlighted the "quiet hardship" that Erik felt and attempted to deal with. The show failed to explore that element, and did not showcase the depth that the "emotional abuse" , which is part of this real-life story, could have had, and how it could have influenced those Menendez brothers , as well as how their relationships impacted each other or contributed to those choices that they made.
Even though those issues didn't reach the appropriate level of emotion or the "meaningful exploration" it sought to create, the cast delivered exceptional performances. While the show itself had a "negative effect" on several audiences, they acknowledged those "cast best efforts".
How Can Ryan Murphy Improve Monsters in the future?
The "Monsters" anthology franchise has the potential to be a hit. Ryan Murphy has an amazing flair for creating those dynamic and dramatic series but sometimes misses the mark. This series has fallen into several pitfalls that have turned it into a "repetitive slog." As he explores the "Monster" season 3 and continues to tell those stories from a dark and twisted perspective - hopefully it can do a better job at presenting those complexities, taking into account that some stories - such as those surrounding Dominique Dunne who starred in "Poltergeist", and suffered a horrific event that has been used by Murphy as a part of the "true-crime" stories in Monsters, should be handled with a sense of sensitivity. Many of Monsters fans hoped it would continue to grow, but sadly it was cut short and received harsh criticism for those storylines. "Monsters" is an "exploitative slog." If Ryan Murphy decides to continue with those series - they need to be mindful of the storylines they choose to tackle and do a better job at showcasing those important themes while ensuring they give it an "appropriate rhythm" so as not to feel repetitive or dull, especially those complex themes of abuse that continue to come up.
