Season 2 of ‘Monsters’ is ranked 1st on Netflix’s Top 10, yet the creators seem to have taken on board none of the criticism of his first season of the show. ‘Monsters’ first season focuses on the crimes committed by American serial killer Jeffery Dahmer, starring Evan Peters. Whilst the first season was highly regarded, several families of Dahmer’s victims spoke out against the creation of the show. They argued that it romanticised, and hyper-stylized the deaths of their relatives and failed to get anyone connected to the crimes involved in the show - this is an argument that is also easily made for Season 2.
However, there are some very positive things about this show too. The acting is incredible at times, unsurprisingly, considering Jose Menendez is played by esteemed actor Javier Bardem. Bardem is most well known for the Coen Brothers’ 2007 film, No Country for Old Men, where he plays a psychopathic killer known as Anton Chigurh: winning a BAFTA, Academy Award, and Critics Choice award for his role as Best Supporting Actor. In Monsters, Bardem delivers a highly emotive performance, which can leave you shocked at points as you are positioned to feel sympathetic for a man who allegedly molested his kids. Additionally, Cooper Koch (playing Erik) and Nicholas Chavez (playing Lyle), demonstrate in the court sequences that they both have a clear talent for truly immersing themselves during emotionally charged scenes.
Murphy seems to completely lack any personal sympathy for the people who go through this trauma that he dramatises.
Cinematically, the series is fantastic with plenty of low depth shots to highlight the internal isolation felt by many characters. I also liked how two shots are also used to highlight the importance of Lyle and Erik's relationship. The set design throughout the series stood out as being a highlight, as it was very accurate, creating a real sense of authenticity. This was bolstered by a soundtrack full of late 80’s pop songs, particularly Milli Vanilli, which truly immerses the audience in the era that the crimes took place.
Despite this, the main issue with this show is that Murphy seems to completely lack any personal sympathy for the people who go through this trauma that he dramatises. Erik Menendez released a statement, via his wife Tammi, criticising the show for its “ruinous” portrayal of Lyle “creating a caricature… rooted in horrible and blatant lies”.
Whilst Koch and Chavez have taken the criticism in their stride, stating they understand why the brothers would be upset having their trauma televised, Murphy wasn’t able to accept it quite as well. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Murphy stated “The Menendez Brothers should be sending me flowers. They haven’t had so much attention in 30 years.” Responding to Erik’s criticism, he was also quoted saying that the brothers are “playing the victim card right now… which I find reprehensible and disgusting”. With the series ending on a scene aiming to make you feel sympathetic for the parents, and alleged child abusers, Jose and Kitty Menendez, it is evident where Murphy stands on the claims of abuse.
Whilst I would recommend watching the show, I insist that people who choose to watch it remember what Ryan Murphy always seems to be forgetting - this case isn’t fiction, and this is real people’s trauma, and that should be respected.
