MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story: Great Performances Trapped in a Tonal Tug-of-War

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is a series that deeply benefits from the strong, emotionally charged performances of Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, who portray the infamous Menendez brothers. Their portrayals bring a complex depth to these real-life figures, capturing the psychological turmoil and emotional struggle at the heart of the case. Koch and Chavez manage to infuse their characters with vulnerability and a sense of internal conflict, which is perhaps the most compelling aspect of the series. These performances drive the emotional core of the show, making them the standout elements of the production.

However, despite the strong acting, the series struggles in several key areas, particularly in tone and execution. At times, it seems to lean into sensationalism, sometimes bordering on glorification, as it dramatizes the brutal events that unfolded. The tone of the show fluctuates, making it difficult to tell whether it is aiming for a true crime docudrama or a psychological character study. This inconsistency creates a disconnect for the viewer, as it never fully establishes its direction or narrative style. Some moments feel too detached and clinical, while others are overly dramatic and almost soap-opera-like in their approach to the brothers’ emotional states and motivations.

The show’s muddled storytelling doesn’t help its case either. There are times when the series presents interesting psychological insights into the brothers’ lives and the trauma they experienced, but these moments can feel undermined by the chaotic tone shifts. Instead of digging deeper into the psychology behind their actions, the show veers into more sensationalist territory, glossing over the complexities of their case in favor of drama and intrigue. The result is a series that struggles to find its footing, never quite deciding whether to portray the Menendez brothers as tragic victims or as calculating criminals.

Despite these missteps, the show does manage to captivate at points, particularly in episodes that focus on the brothers' inner turmoil or delve into the emotional complexity of their upbringing. These moments offer a glimpse of what this show could have been if it had maintained a more consistent tone and narrative. While the storytelling doesn’t fully hit the mark, the strength of Koch and Chavez’s performances ensures that the series remains watchable and has moments of real emotional depth. Overall, Monsters is a flawed series, but thanks to its leads, it’s far from a complete misfire. It’s a show that may be worth watching for those interested in the story, but be prepared for a narrative that struggles to fully deliver.