As a seasoned viewer of true crime dramas, I can confidently say that “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is a captivating addition to the genre. The performances by Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch are nothing short of extraordinary, with Koch delivering a particularly standout performance as Erik. His emotional depth and commitment to the character are evident, especially in the one-take masterclass episode where he shines brightest.
The show titled “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” debuted on Netflix on September 19 and swiftly climbed to the number one spot among the most-watched shows. This series, being the second part of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series named “Monster,” has received its fair share of criticism, but it’s clear that it will also garner praise with its impending popularity surge.
Notably, Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch delivered outstanding performances that warrant recognition. They skillfully tackled challenging material and truly embodied their characters’ essence. In particular, Koch’s portrayal of Erik was exceptional, stealing the show from the very start. Episode 5 spotlighted Koch, offering a captivating, one-shot demonstration of emotional intensity and acting prowess as an actor.
Cooper Koch was ‘nervous’ but ‘okay’ with past nude scenes
However, an intriguing factor of Koch’s portrayal in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is worth noting. In the third episode, there’s a scene where Erik showers in prison, maintaining eye contact with another showering inmate. This scene extends to reveal full frontal nudity from Koch, creating a strikingly vulnerable moment for Erik that stands out.
In the year 2022, Koch took on a role in the gruesome film titled “Swallowed“. This movie was directed by Carter Smith. Notably, a graphic nude scene featuring Koch was included in the film. The scene served to depict Koch’s character Benjamin’s struggle for survival, adding authenticity and artistry to the narrative. With a fresh rating of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Swallowed” showcases this pivotal moment as an essential part of the storyline.
Previously, when asked by The Queer Review if there were any concerns about portraying nudity on-screen, this is what actor Koch expressed:
My mother had some reservations. She was like, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ But, for me, like you said, it’s not sexualized and for my character at least it’s about survival in the moment. It’s part of the story, it’s not flashy nudity that’s just there to garner some attention. I did Hair in college, where we all got naked on stage, and I did an art installation with a director where I was naked. So I’ve had some experience with with nudity as a performer before and it’s always been done really respectfully and artistically. I was definitely still a little nervous and apprehensive about it, but I think anyone would be that way. Ultimately though, it was great and I was super okay with it.
Despite feeling “nervous and apprehensive” about exposing himself for his roles in both “Swallowed” and “Monsters“, Koch shared with The Queer Review that prior theater experiences and other projects aided him in telling these stories confidently. Of course, it’s reasonable that his mom would have concerns, as anyone might under the circumstances!
How Monsters will start conversations
In the TV series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and “Swallowed”, nudity serves crucial roles in the narrative, providing pivotal moments for their respective characters. In “Monsters”, Erik’s journey delves deep into his past traumas and how they shape his adult life and sexuality, portraying a heart-wrenching exploration marked by introspection and inherent sadness. The third episode highlights this journey and its emotional weight.
During a chat with Entertainment Tonight at the series premiere event, Koch expressed his hope that viewers engage in deep yet crucial discussions after watching “Monsters”. He aims for the show’s portrayal of this real-life crime incident to spark such conversations.
It’s a really fascinating case, it’s a fascinating story, and it hope it leaves people having a lot of conversations about abuse and mental health. I also hope it’s an exhilarating ride for people.
Without a doubt, each viewer will form their own opinion as they experience the rollercoaster of emotions while watching Monsters. It’s undeniable that this show will spark numerous conversations on various scenes and circumstances. Generally speaking, it’s not an effortless viewing due to its challenging subject matter and frank portrayals of abuse. However, with its complex and vivid depictions, the series holds the power to inspire meaningful discussions about crucial themes.
Watch Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story only on Netflix.
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2024-09-20 17:33