As a seasoned gamer and binge-watcher with a penchant for true crime anthologies, I must admit that the arrival of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” on Netflix had me eagerly anticipating its premiere. With my trusty popcorn bucket at the ready and my heart braced for the graphic content, I settled in to delve into this chilling tale.
The second installment of Ryan Murphy’s real-life crime drama series has been released, starting with the broadcast of “Monsters: The Tale of Lyle and Erik Menendez” on September 19th. Throughout the nine episodes, Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch portray the Menendez brothers as they reenact the events from over three decades past that gripped the nation’s attention.
The brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty for the murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty, portrayed by Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny, and they claimed their parents had subjected them to sexual abuse. The film Monsters offers a stark depiction of the events within the Menendez household, the consequences following the murder, and the subsequent trial that sentenced Lyle and Erik to spend the rest of their lives in prison.
As a dedicated viewer, I must caution that “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Mendendez Story” isn’t for the sensitive or faint-hearted. This gripping series contains graphic portrayals of violence, nudity, and intense discussions about abuse. Here’s a closer, spoiler-free peek at what you can expect from this captivating narrative.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is rated TV-MA
As per the official Netflix page for the series, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” carries a TV-MA rating, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. This mature classification was awarded due to themes such as child abuse, strong language, nudity, sex scenes, smoking, and violence. If you’re curious about the level of graphic content before watching, here’s a spoiler-free overview, complete with content and trigger warnings for prospective viewers.
Sex and nudity
In the span of this nine-episode series I adore, there’s a fleeting moment of intimacy between two characters, both male and female. This scene is as brief as the glimpse of a male character’s backside. As for nudity, it’s worth noting that at least once, we catch a glimpse of a female character’s upper body.
The program regularly features close-ups on the physiques of male actors Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch, who are typically seen without shirts, wearing swimwear or undergarments. A sequence depicts Erik in a nude shower scenario, while another portrays Lyle exiting the shower and wrapping a towel around his private areas. Although explicit content is absent in both scenes.
Minor spoilers ahead from episode 3 ahead.
In the third episode, there’s a scene where my character, Erik (Cooper Koch), gets some screen time while… well, let’s just say he’s not wearing much in prison. This happens at least three times when Erik is showering, and once more when he’s showing off his backside. During one of these showers, another inmate catches my eye, and I find myself facing him directly, if you catch my drift. The camera doesn’t get too close, but there are some clear shots of… well, let’s say it’s all part of the character development for Erik.
Language and violence
The series Monsters doesn’t hesitate to use strong language, frequently incorporating words such as “f**k” and “p***y” even in the opening episode. Moreover, the show graphically portrays abusive situations through dialogue, making its language regarding this intense subject matter explicit.
In the crime-focused series, there’s no shortage of gritty violence. The opening episode graphically depicts Lyle and Erik shooting and killing their parents, with detailed shots of blood, injuries, and physical trauma. Later episodes revisit this event, often showing the dead bodies once more.
Content and trigger warnings
In this show, there are at least two instances where drug use, specifically cocaine, is depicted, and characters can be seen consuming drugs. Additionally, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption occur frequently across the series.
In this series, discussions about abuse and considering suicide are central themes that may require a cautionary notice. Characters frequently discuss their past traumatic experiences during interactions with therapists, lawyers, and other characters. For sensitive viewers, the depiction of such topics might prove distressing.
If you or someone you care about requires assistance regarding sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is always reachable at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or you can find them online at rainn.org.
If you, or anyone close to you, are contemplating suicide, please reach out for help immediately by dialing the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 at 988.
Watch Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story only on Netflix.
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2024-09-19 18:03