Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story: Blame it on the Rain Review: A Shocking Opener
After months of anticipation, Netflix has released all (9) episodes of its new season of the Monsters series. Season one focused on Jeffrey Dahmer and this season turns its attention to the murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez at the hands of their children Lyle and Erik. The series aims at asking the question, "Who are the real monsters" and by the end of the series, viewers will be left to make that determination on their own.
Episode one title "Blame it on the Rain" takes those that remember the time, back to the late 80s early 90s with Songbird by Kenny G setting the tone for the time. That brief moment is about the only time we feel calm as we are greeted by the brothers riding in a limo. Immediately we learn who we are dealing with as Lyle is neurotic and putting this as nicely as I can a jerk. Meanwhile, Erik comes off as more calm, timid, shy.
At this point, its clear they have already committed the murders and we receive confirmation as the "boys" make their way to their parents funeral. I appreciate the story just going right in and we learn over the course of the first episode through some flashbacks what life was like for these boys living under their parents rule.
Within the first 15 minutes, you know that Cooper Koch (Erik) is destined to be a star. His emotions come through so strongly and every time he cries, you cannot help but feel moved. While you feel sorry for Erik, Lyle - you just want to punch him in the face and that is credit to Nicholas Alexander Chavez who comes off scary, intense and goes toe to toe with Javier Bardem (Jose) without missing a beat. I wouldn't expect less from this Daytime Emmy winner.
The small glimpses we get into the Menendez home sets the tone for the rest of the season. Jose domineering and Kitty (Chloe Sevigny) verbally abusive. During a dinner when Lyle tells his parents he wants to marry his girlfriend, I jumped when Kitty ripped off Lyle's toupee. Both Erik and I were left with our mouths open. While Lyle seemed to be handling the murder of his parents as just another day, Erik was struggling.
His recurring nightmare of committing suicide weighed heavily on him that he had to tell his therapist. Thinking that he is protected by doctor/patient confidentiality, he confesses in an effort to receive some reassurance and help. He may have went to the wrong doctor because his therapist immediately spilled the beans in an effort to protect himself.
Dallas Roberts gave a wonderful performance as Dr. Jerome Oziel, showcasing fear and shock as Lyle did his best to intimidate him. He may have been on to something by calling for backup as by the time the boys leave his office, Lyle has already made his mind up to kill him.
The murder scene was particularly shocking and disturbing with how graphic it was. There was a level of realism there that I did not expect. Lyle and Erik were very matter of fact and calm as they shot their parents without saying a word. The scene was gripping and hard to watch. That matter-of-fact approach to the act itself can be haunting, emphasizing the emotional disconnect and complexity of the brothers’ characters. It really forces us to grapple with the motivations behind their actions. It’ll be interesting to see how this level of realism continues to unfold throughout the season.
While Nicholas and Cooper are certainly handsome actors, I did feel the play on their looks was being thrown in my face in unnecessary circumstances. I want to focus on the story being told and do not need any distractions. You already have me watching, I have eyes - I see the actors look good. Just tell the story.
Overall, "Blame it on the Rain" really sets the tone for a gripping exploration of the Menendez brothers' complex emotions and family dynamics. The performances from Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez are particularly striking, especially Erik's vulnerability contrasted with Lyle's intense demeanor. The use of flashbacks to illustrate their troubled home life adds a nice layer of depth, and it’s fascinating how the show is inviting viewers to question who the real monsters are. The tension with the therapist is a compelling narrative choice, highlighting Erik’s struggle for help against Lyle's aggression.
I'm locked in and interested to see the rest of the series. What did you think of the first episode?
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