Netflix continues to expand its offering of series based on real crimes with ‘Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez’. This production revives one of the most famous trials of the 80s, in which the Menendez brothers were accused of murdering their parents in their luxurious Beverly Hills mansion. series not only takes an in-depth look at the psychology of the accused, but also showcases the intense media coverage of the case and explores the possible motivations behind this heinous crime.
For fans of the genre, this crime drama features a talented cast, with actors who embody both the members of the Menendez family as well as the key figures in the trial. The acting quality is crucial in such a complex and nuanced story. The cast is responsible for transmitting the emotions experienced by those involved and brings to the screen the questions about justice, family and abuse, fundamental themes in this Netflix series.
Cast of ‘Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez’
1. Javier Bardem as Jose Menendez
Renowned Spanish actor Javier Bardem plays José Menéndez, a Cuban-born businessman described as ambitious and controlling with his sons. Lyle and Erik confessed that they committed the murder of their father in self-defense after years of alleged sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Javier Bardem as Jose Menendez. Photo: Netflix
2. Chloë Sevigny as Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez
Chloë Sevigny plays Jose Menendez’s wife, ‘Kitty’, who struggled with alcoholism, substance abuse and mental health issues such as depression. Mary Louise was also a victim of her children, who claimed she was complicit in their father’s alleged abuse of them.
Chloë Sevigny as Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez. Photo: Netflix
3. Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez
Nicholas Alexander Chavez plays Lyle Menendez in ‘Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez’. Lyle, the eldest of the brothers, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder of his parents, whom he killed with a shotgun.
Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez. Photo: Netflix
4. Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez
Cooper Koch is Erik Menendez in the hit Netflix series. Erik is the youngest of the brothers, who confessed the murder of his parents to his psychologist, which led him to turn himself in to the authorities three days after his brother’s arrest. He was also sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez. Photo: Netflix
5. Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne
American actor and comedian Nathan Lane plays Dominick Dunne, a renowned journalist who became known for his interest in criminal cases. Dunne covered the Menendez brothers case for Vanity Fair and was instrumental in shaping the public’s perception of this macabre story of patricide.
Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne Photo: Netflix
6. Ari Graynor as Leslie Abramson
Ari Graynor plays Erik’s attorney, Leslie Abramson, who was one of the most prominent legal experts in Los Angeles at the time. Known for her aggressive courtroom style, Abramson presented a variety of evidence to support allegations of abuse against Jose Menendez.
Ari Graynor as Leslie Abramson Photo: Netflix
Who completes the cast of ‘Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez’?
- Dallas Roberts as Dr. Jerome Oziel
- Leslie Grossman as Judalon Smyth
- Jason Butler Harner as Detective Les Zoeller
- Enrique Murciano as Carlos Baralt
- Michael Gladis as Tim Rutten
- Drew Powell as Detective Tom Linehan
- Charlie Hall as Craig Cignarelli
- Jeff Perry as Peter Hoffman
- Brandon Santana as Tony
- Tessa Auberjonois as Dr. Laurel Oziel
- Tanner Stine as Perry Berman
- Larry Clarke as Brian Andersen
- Jade Pettyjohn as Jamie Pisarcik
- Marlene Forte as Marta Cano
- Gil Ozeri as Dr. William Vicary.
What is ‘Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez’ about?
“‘Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez’ “tells the case of the real-life brothers convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez,” begins the synopsis of the crime drama, which is currently the most-watched series worldwide on Netflix, according to the FlixPatrol website.
“While prosecutors argued they were seeking to inherit the family fortune, the brothers claimed (and remain steadfast to this day, as they serve life sentences without the possibility of parole) that their actions were driven by fear of a life of physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse,” concludes the summary of ‘Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez’.
What happened and where are the brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez?
Following their convictions in 1996, the Menendez brothers were sent to separate prisons to prevent any conspiracy attempts. Lyle Menendez was transferred to Mule Creek State Prison, while Erik Menendez was sent to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego County.
For more than 20 years, they did not see each other in person and only communicated through letters. However, in 2018, Lyle was transferred to
the same penitentiary as Erik, although they initially remained in separate areas.
Currently, the Menendez brothers are able to interact during recreation, exercise and mealtimes. Although they reside in different dormitories, they maintain a close relationship, participating together in various activities and rehabilitation programs within the facility.
‘Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez’ Cast Recap
- Main protagonists: Nicholas Alexander Chavez plays Lyle Menendez, while Cooper Koch plays Erik Menendez. Both brothers were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of their parents in 1989.
- Story based on real events: The series tells the true story of the Menendez brothers, who claimed the murders were motivated by years of physical and emotional abuse by their father, Jose Menendez.
- Important supporting characters: Nathan Lane plays Dominick Dunne, a key journalist in covering the case, and Ari Graynor plays Leslie Abramson, Erik Menendez’s defense attorney, known for her aggressive style in court.
- Reception of the case at present: Despite having been convicted, the Menéndez brothers remain in prison, and in 2018 they met again in the same prison after years apart. They maintain a close relationship and participate in rehabilitation activities.
- Popularity of the series: This crime drama has captured the public’s attention and has positioned itself as one of the most watched series globally on Netflix, standing out for its focus on real crimes.
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