The fifth episode of “Monsters,” titled “The Hurt Man,” focuses entirely on Erik Menendez’s perspective. In a prison meeting room, Erik, portrayed by Cooper Koch, recounts the traumatic experiences that led him and his brother, Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez), to murder their parents, José (Javier Bardem) and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny). Erik reflects on the abuse he suffered from his father, detailing the four different ways he was assaulted as a child, and how that abuse overshadowed his ability to feel love and understand his own sexuality.
The episode, directed by Michael Uppendahl, is captured in a single shot. Initially static, the camera slowly zooms in on Erik as he speaks to his attorney, Leslie Abramson (Ari Graynor). Erik’s emotional revelations are guided by Leslie’s supportive reassurances, emphasizing that loving parents would never behave as they did and that Erik is not at fault.
A key question posed in the episode—and throughout the series—is whether Erik and Lyle can be blamed for their actions given their traumatic upbringing. “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” challenges the audience to grapple with this moral dilemma, echoing questions that emerged during the high-profile trial of the brothers in the early 1990s.
“The Hurt Man” is a compelling 33-minute exploration of Erik’s experiences, contrasting sharply with other parts of “Monsters,” which often struggle to present a balanced view of the case. Earlier episodes introduced the brothers as opposites: Erik is disciplined and reserved, while Lyle is wild and impulsive. The series illustrates their shared desire to escape their abusive parents.
The graphic depiction of the murders is jarring, with director Carl Franklin presenting violent scenes that starkly contrast Erik’s haunting monologue in Episode 5. The internal conflict of the brothers is emphasized: the abuse they suffered weighs heavily against the actions they ultimately took.
As the series progresses beyond Episode 5, it attempts to present a broader view, examining the parents and their responses. However, there is an evident bias against dissenting perspectives, particularly in characters like Vanity Fair reporter Dominick Dunne (Nathan Lane), who struggles to garner sympathy.
Despite varied portrayals, the performances stand out, particularly Koch’s representation of Erik’s anguish alongside Chavez’s portrayal of Lyle as a charming manipulator. Bardem’s fierce embodiment of the abusive father adds further depth to the dark family dynamics.
Ultimately, while “Monsters” features strong performances, the overall effectiveness of the series is questionable. Episode 5 encapsulates the central theme: the question of whether the brothers can be considered products of their traumatic past. For those interested in the story, this episode stands out as the most compelling segment, with the remainder of the series feeling more like a superficial exploration of the case.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” premiered on September 19 on Netflix, with all ten episodes available for viewing.