Ryan Murphy’s latest might just be his greatest

Ryan Murphy’s newest installment for his hit anthology Monsters, based on the real-life murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their sons, Erik and Lyle, has caused quite a stir. The Menendez brothers, now serving life sentences, have actively challenged the series, claiming several inaccuracies in Murphy’s portrayal.

Even amidst public criticism, the series firmly stands by its portrayal of the facts, mixing in occasional dramatic elements. Unlike its predecessor, Dahmer, this series focuses more on the storytelling aspect of the crimes committed rather than long sequences of the crimes being re-enacted. The story itself, a rather harrowing one, has you on your toes.

What Worked:

For any true crime fan, this might be a true masterpiece. The narrative takes you through a whirlwind of emotions and doubts, building upon a theory and then instantly smashing it to pieces. The performances are top-notch, with veterans like Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny owning their roles as Jose and Kitty Menendez, while Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez masterfully portray Erik and Lyle. Koch shines in a 32-minute monologue as he recounts Erik’s harrowing experience of sexual abuse.

The details of the account are sickening and Koch’s intense performance through one take, with the camera slowly zooming in on his face from afar, is by far one of the best pieces of filmmaking out there. The series guides the viewer through a whirlwind of emotions, ones mimicking that of the people who must have eagerly followed the trial of the Menendez brothers back in the 90s.

What didn't work:

While Monsters was indeed one of the best true crime shows lately due to its intense storytelling and acting performances, it does have a few qualms about it. The story takes liberties with dramatic license, which at times distorts facts for viewers. The ending shows a sequence of a past conversation between Jose and Kitty Menendez where they are on a fishing trip and talking about the future, while their sons are at the front of the boat planning to kill them.

There are several scenes, such as the fishing trip conversation, that appear unverified by any source. Since Jose and Kitty Menendez never got to tell their side of the story, while Lyle and Erik did, the makers try their best to give theories within the show about the perspective of the parents. This is done through the character of a journalist, who for the most part seems to be there as a talking head for the makers and their probable viewpoints.

Verdict:

All in all, The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is a bone-chilling retelling of one of the worst, most mysterious crime stories in modern history. Though it takes some liberties with its dramatic license, occasionally stretching the truth, the series still manages to present credible facts backed by evidence. For fans of the genre, it’s a must-watch. For true crime aficionados, it’s essential viewing.