Plot, True Story, Release Date & More Details

Netflix’s latest true crime series, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” promises to capture viewers’ fascination with its riveting real-life tale. This series delves into the controversial case of two brothers who murdered their parents, later alleging that years of physical and sexual abuse were the impetus for their heinous actions.

The series is set to premiere on September 19. As anticipation builds, the trailer is already available for those eager to get a sneak peek.

The show’s synopsis explains: “It chronicles the case of the real-life brothers who were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez. While the prosecution contended they acted out of greed to inherit the family fortune, the brothers have consistently maintained, as they serve life sentences without parole, that they acted out of fear due to lifelong physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by their parents.”

The storyline further explores how this sensational case captured global attention, prefiguring the modern obsession with true crime tales. In a poignant twist, the series questions its audience: Who are the real monsters?

Javier Bardem takes on the role of José Menendez, with Chloë Sevigny portraying Kitty Menendez. The Menendez brothers are played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Lyle) and Cooper Koch (Erik). Additional cast members include Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne and Ari Graynor as Leslie Abramson.

In 1996, the Menendez brothers were sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Their first trials ended in hung juries, but during a second trial, where the jury could not consider manslaughter charges, they were convicted on two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder. Initially, they were placed in separate prisons and kept segregated from other inmates. In 2018, the brothers were finally reunited, though they remained in different units within the same correctional facility.

In the documentary “Menendez Brothers: Victims or Villains,” Lyle reflects on their sentencing: “Looking back 34 years on the trials, Erik and I and our family thought we were entering a manslaughter case with a district attorney who understood the traumatic impact of sexual violence. Instead, we received the same sentence as a serial killer.” He added, “Every day we watch people parole. And 34 years later, Erik and I are still waiting.”

Compared to “Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” the Menendez case is the next installment in Netflix’s anthology of true-crime series. The Dahmer series, penned by “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy and co-writer Ian Brennan, ranks among Netflix’s most-watched shows. Both Murphy and Brennan have returned to helm this follow-up series.

The Menendez brothers’ story, with its layers of familial betrayal, sensational trials, and ongoing debates about justice, is poised to captivate audiences and provoke intense reflections on the complexities of guilt and victimhood.

Source: hellomagazine.com, particlenews.com