Ryan Murphy is back, and this time, he’s bringing Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story to your screens – and trust me, this one’s going to be wilder than a soap opera written by a toddler who’s just chugged five cans of Red Bull.
The first teaser trailer has just dropped, and let’s just say it has enough drama to make a reality show look like a relaxing yoga session. The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, are played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch – who, if the casting is anything to go by, are probably too handsome to be involved in anything sinister. But hey, that’s Hollywood for you. Also starring in the madness are none other than Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny, who play their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. Yes, you read that right: Bardem, Mr. Intense Eyes himself, is about to channel his inner strict dad. Someone, please, get him a cardigan.
The cast list doesn’t stop there. You’ve got Nathan Lane, Leslie Grossman, and Ari Graynor all joining the chaotic party. Honestly, it’s like they decided to throw a celebrity potluck but forgot it was a true crime series. At this point, I’m expecting the guest list to include Batman and a couple of Avengers.
Now, the plot. And oh boy, it’s juicier than a gossip column at the Oscars. According to Netflix’s own Tudum (the sound it makes when you binge-watch just one more episode), the series follows the infamous Menendez brothers, who, in 1989, decided to solve their family issues the only way the rich know how—by doing something that winds up on Netflix years later. After fatally shooting their parents, the brothers claimed they were victims of years of abuse. The prosecutors, of course, were all like, “Nah, bro, you just wanted that sweet, sweet family fortune.” And honestly, if I had a dollar for every time someone said, “No, really, it’s about the trauma,” I’d have my own Beverly Hills mansion by now.
Oh, and in case you were wondering if this sounds vaguely familiar, yes, it’s all based on a true story. Because if there’s one thing Hollywood loves more than recycling superhero franchises, it’s a “based on true events” crime story.
Set your reminders, because Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story drops on Netflix on Thursday, September 19. If you’re looking for something to watch that’ll make your family’s Thanksgiving dinner drama look like a cakewalk, this one’s for you.
