Ryan Murphy’s latest project, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has just dropped its official trailer, and it promises to take family drama to a whole new level.
Following the success of Dahmer, this new addition to Murphy’s anthology series delves into the chilling case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted in 1996 for the brutal murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez.
Everything we learned from the Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story trailer
The trailer kicks off with someone saying to Menendez brothers, “I’m gonna need you to walk me through what happened”.
Commenters are assuming that the voice is a therapist as he says, “part of this process is the two of you reconnecting, growing closer as brothers”. Just your typical family therapy session — except in this case, it involves a double homicide.
The trailer definitely sets the stage for a gripping exploration of the brothers’ complicated relationship and the events that led to their infamous crime.
Lyle Menendez (played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez) quips, “Erik and I killed our parents together, so… I’d say that makes us pretty close.” This gives trauma bonding a whole new meaning.
The show will cover the media circus that the brothers’ trial sparked as it aired on Court TV, but also Erik and Lyle’s defense that they killed their parents after suffering years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
The trailer shows scenes of the brothers living the life of luxury after their parents death, ordering “all of the shrimp” from a fancy hotel.
The series promises to challenge viewers perceptions of morality and justice. As the trailer unfolds, it becomes clear that the brothers’ motivations run deeper than mere financial gain.
“You don’t murder your parents that way. Literally defacing them. That’s not about money. That’s about something deeper and darker,” a character remarks.
The trailer also hints at the brothers’ deeper trauma which led to the rebellion against their troubled upbringing. Erik Menendez (played by Cooper Koch) expresses a haunting realisation: “I thought that getting rid of them was gonna make me feel better. But I’m having these nightmares.”
Lyle says, “They would be proud of us.”
The chilling flashbacks to the brothers’ parents, played by Dune actor Javier Bardem and American Horror Story alum Chloë Sevigny, delves right into the alleged abuse.
Fans are concerned for the real Menendez brothers
Since the series was announced, followers of the brothers’ case have expressed concern over how Erik and Lyle will be portrayed in the new show, afraid it may not cover the full story.
“Netflix is cashing in on this story. The Menendez Brothers have a very intense, emotional, and complicated relationship with their parents. It’s not always picture perfect. There’s always hatred in places where you might not expect to find them in,” commented a user under the trailer.
But others see the value in the show and how it could be beneficial to Erik and Lyle’s case.
“Normally, I’m not a fan of shows about real life killers since I find them exploitative and traumatic for the victims’ families. However, I think this show will do good in not only bringing to light the abuse erik and lyle endured and the monstrous nature of the parents, but also encourages conversations about abuse within families, especially POC families. I also hope this show renews enough interest in the case to set Erik and Lyle free,” said one fan.
Where can I watch the trailer for Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story?
Ryan Murphy does not hold back in the very disturbing trailer, which you can watch right here:
With its release set for September 19 on Netflix, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is gearing up to be a wild ride.
As Erik Menendez declares, “Starting right now… we’re gonna demand more out of life,” we can’t help but wonder what “more” looks like when you’ve already crossed such a dark line.
So, mark your calendars and prepare for a series that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.
Lead Image: Netflix/YouTube
