Netflix’s latest true crime series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, explores the infamous case of the Menendez brothers, who shocked the nation by killing their parents in 1989.
As the second installment in the Monsters series—following the success of Dahmer: Monster – The Jeffrey Dahmer Story—this new show faces the challenge of living up to its predecessor. Unfortunately, it falls short in capturing the same intensity and engagement.
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The True Crime Backdrop
Released on September 19, 2024, the series dives into the dramatic and chilling events surrounding the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, who became media sensations after murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. The show opens with the brothers’ trial, offering a retelling of how they fabricated stories of mafia involvement and even sought police protection before eventually confessing to the brutal crime. The series attempts to weave a comprehensive narrative by jumping back and forth between different timelines, providing viewers with a broader understanding of the events leading up to the murders.
A Chilling but Incomplete Account
While Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story covers the core details of the case, it struggles to maintain the gripping narrative that defined Dahmer. The Menendez brothers’ case, though shocking, lacks the multifaceted horror and psychological intrigue of a serial killer like Jeffrey Dahmer. The show’s portrayal of their crime and subsequent trial feels more like a procedural retelling than a deep psychological exploration, which may leave some true crime enthusiasts wanting more.
The decision to dramatize the trial scenes is a highlight, capturing the intense legal battles and media frenzy surrounding the case. However, the series fails to sustain this intensity throughout its runtime. Outside of the courtroom, the show often drags, with scenes that feel repetitive and lacking in the suspense needed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Comparing Crimes: A Different Kind of Monster
One of the series’ main challenges is its subject matter. The Menendez brothers are not serial killers; their crime was a singular act driven by their own motives, reportedly rooted in alleged abuse and a desire for financial gain. This distinction makes their story less fitting for the Monsters franchise, which typically delves into the lives of individuals who commit multiple heinous acts over time.
The series attempts to portray the brothers’ psychological state and family dynamics, but it often comes off as disjointed and lacking the cohesive storytelling that made Dahmer compelling. The portrayal of the brothers’ trial, while well-acted, doesn’t quite capture the emotional and psychological turmoil that might have given the story more depth.
Performance and Production Quality
Despite its narrative shortcomings, the show features strong performances from its cast. The actors portraying Lyle and Erik do a commendable job of bringing the brothers’ conflicting emotions to life—ranging from guilt and fear to anger and defiance. Their portrayal adds some much-needed dimension to an otherwise straightforward depiction of the case.
The cinematography and production design are also noteworthy. The series captures the late 1980s and early 1990s aesthetic well, with detailed settings that immerse viewers in the era. However, these technical aspects cannot entirely compensate for the series’ lack of compelling storytelling and character development.
What Could Have Been
In a franchise that aims to explore the minds of true monsters, the Menendez brothers’ story feels out of place. Their crime, while sensational, doesn’t carry the same weight or psychological intrigue as that of Jeffrey Dahmer. The show would perhaps have been better served as a single documentary-style episode or a limited series focusing more deeply on the brothers’ relationship and psychological backgrounds.
The series does have moments of tension and drama, particularly in the courtroom scenes, but these are too few and far between to elevate the overall experience. Instead, it often feels like the series is trying to stretch a limited story over too many episodes, resulting in a slow pace that detracts from the impact of the real-life events.
Final Thoughts
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is a well-produced series with solid performances, but it ultimately lacks the engaging narrative and psychological depth needed to make it a standout in the true crime genre. It pales in comparison to its predecessor, Dahmer, which captivated audiences with its disturbing yet riveting portrayal of one of America’s most notorious serial killers.
For those interested in the Menendez case or true crime in general, the series may still offer some value. However, viewers expecting the same level of storytelling finesse and emotional intensity found in Dahmer will likely be disappointed. As the Monsters franchise continues, it may need to rethink its choice of subjects and approach if it hopes to maintain the high standards set by its first season.
