MONSTERS

This series is based on the true story of Lyle (Nicholas Chavez) and Erik Menendez (Cooper Koch) who killed their parents, José (Javier Bardem) and Mary Louise (Chloe Sevigny) in 1989. The brothers initially claimed that mob-related intruders were responsible for the crimes, however the police became suspicious and they were arrested seven months later when Erik confessed to his psychiatrist. During their initial court hearing the brothers alleged that they had suffered s*xual, emotional, and physical abuse from their parents. Due to a hung jury, a mistrial was declared but at their subsequent trial, they were both convicted of first-degree murder and received sentences of two life terms in prison each. The series consists of nine episodes and the first half focuses on the details of the crime, while the latter delves into their trials. Many scenes drag on unnecessarily without adding value and this detracts from the excellent performances of the actors. With thorough editing, the series could have been condensed by 50% and resulted in more impactful and cohesive episodes. Should’ve been more interesting but it got dull.