As a seasoned movie critic who has spent countless hours sifting through the celluloid jungle, I must say that Ryan Murphy’s latest offering, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” is a veritable rollercoaster ride of emotions – one that leaves you questioning whether you’ve just experienced a well-crafted drama or an over-the-top soap opera.
After the gruesome murders of their parents by Kyle and Erik Menendez in 1989, the brothers briefly vacated the Beverly Hills mansion where the crime took place, instead amassing substantial charges at nearby hotels. The second episode of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, a Ryan Murphy-produced Netflix series exploring renowned American murderers, portrays their extravagant spending during a stay at Los Angeles’ Hotel Bel-Air, with Lyle persuading his brother to request an excessive amount of room service.
In this particular setting, both brothers Menendez are sporting revealing swimsuits, showcasing their athletic, sun-kissed physiques. One of them, portrayed by Nicholas Chavez with a hint of Zac Efron’s charm, declares, “From now on, we’re going to seek more from life.” He subtly wraps his arms around Erik, creating an atmosphere that is both erotic and imposing. To emphasize his point, he leans in and passionately kisses his brother. This isn’t the first time such a feeling and action have occurred between them, and the movie “Monsters” delights in highlighting this fact.
In my perspective, I’ve always maintained that the actual Menendez brothers, who are currently serving life sentences for killing their parents José and Kitty, have never admitted to being involved in an incestuous relationship. However, during their trials, Lyle confessed to abusing his brother and expressed remorse for it – a heartfelt moment depicted in the movie “Monsters.
Ryan Murphy’s productions are often characterized by delving into the extreme and adding an extra layer of sensationalism to already startling narratives. However, when at their peak, they balance these exaggerated elements with thoughtful, profound character development that offers fresh perspectives on stories we may have heard before. The sixth episode of The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, notably, does this exceptionally well. It features a 36-minute single take of Erik, skillfully portrayed by Cooper Koch, detailing the years of emotional and sexual abuse he endured at the hands of his father. This episode offers a profound exploration of the narrative that we may have heard before but presents it in a way that invites us to reconsider our understanding.
It’s plausible to contend that the incest storyline served a greater intention within the narrative of “Monsters.” The initial episodes portray the brothers as affluent, athletic, preppy individuals cruising through Los Angeles in limousines, which aligns with the public image formed during the media coverage. Their physiques are undeniably impressive, boasting well-defined abs to underscore their fitness.
The show suggests that during their imprisonment, awaiting trial, the Menendez brothers garnered numerous supporters who sent them affectionate letters and suggestive images. These individuals, primarily women, didn’t seem intimidated by these men. Instead, they seemed to admire them, a fact that the series seems to highlight. Initially, the show seems to encourage us to empathize with these feelings. However, it subsequently attempts to add an element of sexual attraction to the bond between the brothers. This is reminiscent of previous instances in “American Horror Story” and “Dahmer,” where the creators have explored similar themes involving murderers. Yet, given how frequently they delve into this topic, it’s challenging to view this as profound commentary on society’s twisted fascination with murder narratives. It’s like criticizing someone for watching adult content while simultaneously providing more adult content for them to consume.
As the story unfolds, “The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” becomes increasingly somber, delving deeper into the appalling aspects of their father’s abuse and showing genuine empathy towards both brothers. The narrative doesn’t excuse them for murdering their parents, but it does portray a home environment so wretched that it becomes plausible, if not excusable, why they wished to eliminate their mother and father. Notably, the sixth episode, “The Hurt Man,” provides a stark depiction of José’s mistreatment of Erik. This portrayal is both brutally honest and tactfully sensitive. When Lyle confesses on the stand that he used a toothbrush to violate his brother, an act identical to their father’s repeated abuse of both boys, he breaks down in tears, repeatedly apologizing.
In a twist that leaves viewers questioning the truth, Monsters also reveals both brothers admitting to distorting or fabricating details they’ve shared with their legal representatives and the public. This admission casts a shadow of doubt over their tales of abuse, doubts that are mirrored in the show by prosecutors and Dunne. The toothbrush story involving Lyle, in particular, contradicts the affectionate, intimate scenes between him and his brother depicted earlier in the series. It’s peculiar and perplexing that such sexually charged moments exist when they seem unfounded and unnecessary to the narrative, given that Lyle later confesses to molestation.
In the best-case scenario, the intense bond between the brothers in “Monsters” serves as a representation of the difficulties faced by victims of child abuse when forming normal relationships. However, if interpreted poorly, it may trivializes the gravity of abuse and blurs the line between what’s sexually attractive and completely inappropriate. If we assume that they were lovers, it diminishes the weight of Lyle’s admission of molesting his brother and lessens its impact. The show refrains from providing a clear perspective on their relationship, which, like Detective Dunne, suggests that regardless of their past, Lyle and Erik do not deserve our forgiveness. While this may be true, the audience deserves a more nuanced portrayal of these complex men’s relationship, one that is less exploitative.
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2024-09-21 03:54