The fifth episode of “Monsters,” titled “The Hurt Man,” uniquely presents the narrative from Erik Menendez’s perspective. In a prison meeting room, Erik (played by Cooper Koch) reflects on his traumatic experiences with his attorney, Leslie Abramson (Ari Graynor), detailing the events that led him and his brother Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) to murder their parents, José (Javier Bardem) and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny). Erik recalls the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, recounting the disturbing ways he was violated and the emotional turmoil he faced, including the conflicting feelings of love he had for his father. He also remarks on his mother’s complicity and the lasting impact these events had on his understanding of his own sexuality and ability to feel genuine love.
Director Michael Uppendahl captures this intense moment in a single take, initially presenting a static frame that gradually zooms in as Erik reveals his story. Through this approach, the viewer is drawn into Erik’s emotional world, highlighting the profound impact of Leslie’s supportive remarks that reaffirm his victimhood despite the horrific nature of the acts committed.
The episode raises a haunting question for both Erik and the audience regarding the implications of their past trauma. It invites viewers to consider whether the abuse they endured can justify their violent actions. This inquiry was similarly posed during the highly publicized court trial of the Menendez brothers in the early 1990s, and “Monsters” attempts to revisit those complexities.
Running for 33 engrossing minutes, “The Hurt Man” provides a raw and compelling perspective that contrasts sharply with the rest of “Monsters,” which may be preoccupied with sensationalism. The series initially establishes Erik as disciplined and Lyle as wild, showcasing their distinct personalities while revealing their shared desire for freedom from their abusive parents.
The graphic portrayal of the murders is chilling, and the episode’s later reflections, notably Erik’s monologue, serve to deepen the audience’s empathy for him as a victim, complicating the simplistic narrative of murder. Following “The Hurt Man,” the series explores additional viewpoints, including those of the parents and figures like journalist Dominick Dunne (Nathan Lane), though it often retains a sympathetic slant toward Erik while dismissing dissenting opinions.
While “Monsters” presents strong performances, particularly from Koch as Erik, it struggles to offer a well-rounded exploration of the characters’ motivations. Often leaning on the theme of cyclical abuse, the series provides limited insight into the complexities of the family dynamics at play.
Overall, “The Hurt Man” stands out in a series that may not validate the lengthy exploration of true crime reenactments. The episode succinctly captures the essence of the entire narrative, encapsulating Erik’s plea with the poignant question of accountability in the face of profound trauma. The series premiered all ten episodes on Netflix on September 19.