Should you watch or skip Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story? Here’s the consensus

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Should you watch or skip Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story? Here's the consensus

As a true crime enthusiast who has binge-watched countless series and documentaries, I must say that Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is a must-watch. With Ryan Murphy at the helm, this gripping tale of murder and family dynamics is as captivating as it is disturbing.

Following a two-year gap since the debut of “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” Netflix has at last unveiled the second season of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series. Titled “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” this gripping new installment premiered on Sept. 19, offering a chilling exploration into yet another harrowing tale of murder. However, in this instance, the label of “monster” is called into question.

Whenever Murphy unveils a new season of television, be it American Horror/Crime/Sports Story or the upcoming series Grotesquerie, there’s always an anticipatory excitement. People are eager to witness how the productive creator approaches his next narratives, if the entire season maintains quality (as AHS doesn’t always), and the level of attention given to portray true stories.

Titled “Monsters: The Tale of Lyle and Erik Menendez,” this Netflix original series is expected to be one of the most buzzed-about shows of the year, capturing attention from its premiere date onwards. However, you might wonder if it’s worth adding it to your watch list. Is it a series that’s truly worth investing your time in? If you’re hesitant, this spoiler-free review could provide some insight to help you decide whether to dive into or pass on this chilling and intense drama.

Should you watch or skip Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story? Here's the consensus

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is worth the watch

If you’re drawn to gripping true crime narratives that delve deep into every aspect, then you’ll find Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story compelling. Ryan Murphy, known for his direct storytelling style, maintains this approach in the retelling of the intricate and heartbreaking tale of the Menendez family. The series is raw, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful due to its bold narrative.

If you’re expecting an exhaustive exploration of all facts and truths regarding the Menendez brothers case by watching “The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story“, this might not be the best place to start. This production is a dramatized portrayal, which means it takes some artistic liberties to depict events from different angles. Although the series does contain accurate information, remember that fundamentally, it’s a drama, not a documentary. It would be wise to watch Netflix’s forthcoming documentary on the brothers first for a more factual account of their case.

In keeping with Murphy’s Law, the show includes explicit violence and nudity, which might shock some viewers unaware of these elements. Given that it’s a series about murder, the violence is to be expected; however, the nudity may come as an unexpected surprise. This mature content is not suitable for the faint-hearted, and the themes should be approached with sensitivity. Abuse is a significant aspect of the narrative, which might serve as a reason to refrain from watching.

Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch are Emmy worthy

In the lead roles of the show, Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch are truly captivating. Chavez portrays Lyle with a raw, unfettered energy that hints at the deep emotional wounds hidden beneath his tough exterior. He brings a fresh, compelling dynamic to the Murphy-verse, with his next appearance in Grotesquerie.

During the show, Koch takes on much of the emotional weight, making him a key figure. As an actor and character separately, Koch has a natural charm that evokes compassion. Essentially, he’s mesmerizing to observe as he portrays Erik’s pain, both inside and out. In episode 5, it seems that the filming was done in one continuous shot, with the camera centered solely on Koch throughout the entire 33-minute duration.

Beyond doubt, Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny were superb in portraying Jose and Kitty Menendez respectively. Ari Graynor particularly shined as Erik’s defense attorney Leslie Abramson. It wouldn’t be surprising if several cast members receive Emmy Award nominations next year, with Chavez and Koch being prime contenders for their outstanding performances.

In summary, the series manages to deliver on its promise by presenting one of America’s most notorious true crime stories in a thoughtful manner. It’s important to remember that while the performances are chilling and award-winning, this is a real-life event. The show, titled The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, occasionally leans towards certain perspectives, but leaves it up to viewers to decide who the true villains are – aligning with the question Netflix poses: Who are the real monsters?

Watch Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story only on Netflix.

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2024-09-19 20:33