As a long-time enthusiast of true crime narratives and someone who has delved deep into the dark recesses of human behavior through countless documentaries, podcasts, and books, I must say that the depiction of the Menéndez brothers’ murder in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story” left me utterly stunned.
Caution: This article may reveal key plot points from the series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” To avoid spoilers, make sure you’ve watched at least the first episode or haven’t yet seen the show. Proceed with care if you plan to watch it later.
In the 2024 TV lineup, Ryan Murphy’s production titled “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story” has sparked debate due to its portrayal of the brothers who were convicted for murdering their parents over three decades ago. However, something that continuously piques my interest about the upcoming Netflix series is the brutal double murder scene featured in the opening episode itself.
Growing up in the ’90s, I’m well-versed in the Menéndez brothers’ tragic case, having delved into numerous articles and true crime documentaries about their heinous act of matricide. Despite my belief that I was steeled for the grisly scene where they cold-bloodedly murdered their parents in their home, I was still unprepared for the disturbingly graphic depiction on TV, which left me utterly shaken and compelled to discuss it.
What Happens To Jose And Kitty Menéndez In Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story?
In the second season of Ryan Murphy’s series about notorious killers, titled “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story“, we see the fate of characters Jose and Kitty Menéndez, portrayed by Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny. Approximately 32 minutes into the first episode, Lyle and Erik Menéndez (played by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez) enter their family’s living room armed with two shotguns. In a shocking turn of events, they discharge around a dozen rounds, fatally shooting their parents in cold blood.
The two individuals were both fatally wounded by numerous gunshots, eventually succumbing to their injuries approximately a minute following the unexpected assault’s initiation. As their parents lay lifeless on the ground, Lyle and Erik gathered the empty cartridges, cleaned themselves up, hid the weapons, and then attempted to catch a movie titled Batman at the theater in an effort to fabricate an alibi.
The structure of the series allows for some unconventional storytelling techniques, where details are gradually revealed over time instead of being presented all at once. As a result, we’re still discovering what events led to the August 20, 1989, double homicide. However, by that point in the series, there is sufficient background information provided to help viewers grasp why the two wealthy brothers might have chosen to kill their parents in such a manner.
The Double Murder Sequence Felt Like Something Out Of A Horror Film, Not A True Crime Show
The intensely gruesome and disturbing scene seems less like it belongs in a gritty crime television show and more akin to a top-tier horror film, given its shock value and graphic nature. Although the entire 60-second clip is spine-chilling in its portrayal of a genuine crime incident, two instances stand out as particularly jarring. One such instance is when Kitty’s hand gets partially severed by a shotgun blast, which stays on screen for a brief moment before the action resumes.
Approximately twenty seconds afterward, Jose receives a gunshot wound at the back of his skull, causing an enormous gaping wound in his right eye cavity. Subsequently, his limp body collapses onto the couch.
In the past, only a handful of movies have elicited such a strong response from me, and the closest analogy I can draw is to Jeremy Saulnier’s 2016 film, Green Room. This movie left me momentarily stunned after a specific scene featuring an arm dangling from a doorway and a machete (if you’ve seen it, you’ll understand). I ultimately continued watching the movie and started this show, but both scenes were so harrowing and lifelike that I needed to pause for a moment to collect myself.
I’ve Read About The Murder Extensively, But Still Wasn’t Prepared For What I Saw
Back in July 1990, a little over a year after the tragic events portrayed in the series, I came across an eye-opening article from the Los Angeles Times. It painted a vivid picture of the brutal attack that led to the fatal shooting of Jose and Kitty Menéndez at the hands of their own sons. The piece was brimming with gruesome details, shedding light on the victims’ last moments alive. As they went about their daily routines, they were taken aback by the sudden intrusion of their sons wielding shotguns. The shock was swiftly followed by a hail of point-blank shots that left them disfigured and eventually claimed their lives.
Even though I had read numerous articles, watched documentaries, and listened to several multi-episode podcasts about the Menéndez brothers, the violence in that episode was still shocking. It surpassed anything I could have envisioned, particularly the image of Kitty holding her mutilated hand after her entreaties for her son to halt were ignored.
The Cold-Blooded Nature Of The Sequence Really Drove Home The Severity Of The Crime
After taking some time to cool down following the intense 60-second portrayal of violence, I’ve had the opportunity to ponder over the scene and its implications. This incident offers insights into both the gravity of the crime and Ryan Murphy’s latest exploration into the psyches of murderers, as depicted in the series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story. Unlike some productions that might only hint at or soften the double murder, this show chose to confront the violence head-on, underscoring just how shocking and severe it was back then.
From someone who is often desensitized to depictions of violence after watching the bloodiest and most brutal movies and shows possible, this was one of the most shocking TV moments in recent memory, even though I knew what was going to happen. Revelations from later in the season don’t erase what Lyle and Erik did to their parents, they do sort or rationalize why the murders were carried out in such a way.
Seriously, I’m Honestly Surprised Netflix Signed Off On This
Admittedly, a Netflix subscription provides an array of content, ranging from gripping true crime series to numerous adult-oriented films. However, the double murder scene in “Monsters” surpasses most of what’s available on Netflix in terms of intensity, and I must confess that I’m taken aback by Netflix approving such graphic material.
I don’t usually get squeamish or disapproving over violent portrayals, but this content takes it too far, even for the streaming platform that brought us the controversial Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. However, it’s worth noting that the violence in the scene underscores the gravity of the crimes and their underlying causes.
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2024-09-28 23:07