I know accuracy isn’t the main goal here, but to create wild sexual fantasies over a case as sensitive as this? Come on.
What it's about
In the second installment of Ryan Murphy’s Monster series, the director re-tells the shocking case of the Menendez brothers’ murder of their parents, including the abusive history that led to it and the wild media fanfare that followed.
The take
Technically, Monsters is good. This miniseries about the murderous brothers benefits from Director Ryan Murphy’s decades-long expertise in TV. It’s superbly cast and decorated, and like most of Murphy’s work, it has a glossy, addictive quality that makes it hard to skip, much less put down. But also like most of Murphy’s work, it’s highly erotic, which seems wildly inappropriate in this case. There are so many aspects of this story that deserve more attention—namely parental and male abuse and how those are often dismissed—so it’s unfortunate Murphy hones in on the homoeroticism between the brothers, who are played by beautifully sculpted actors. Their relationship is played up to suggest an incestuous fantasy. But meanwhile, in real life, the incarcerated brothers are still trying to prove their abuse to people who care to listen, a group that unfortunately doesn’t include Murphy and the people behind the series.
What stands out
I think we can dial down the homoeroticism, especially since it can be potentially traumatic for one of them.
A level of attention to aesthetics usually reserved for the most elaborate films, mixed with a complex and relevant story, make this series from Turkey unmatched in its quality
9.9
Black Doves
A tale of espionage, romance, and friendship all tied in a neat bow, just in time for Christmas
8.1
One Hundred Years of Solitude
An ambitious mini-series that succeeds in adapting the classic magic realist novel
8.0
Caliphate
A psychological thriller that provides insight on what drove so many young people to ISIS.
8.9
Say Nothing
A powerful take on the Northern Ireland conflict that smartly shows all sides
8.5
Occupied
Norway's most expensive show ever is a timely thrill ride with a grim geopolitical premise.
8.7
Unorthodox
A well-acted fact-based thriller about untangling the grip of a close-knit community
8.5
Escape at Dannemora
Based on a true prison escape story, this slow-burn suspense thriller features once-in-a-lifetime performances by a star-studded cast
9.3
Wild Wild Country
Almost too outrageous to be true – this captivating true crime docuseries tells the unlikely story of an Indian cult in America
9.8
The Sticky
Margo Martindale stands out in this true-story-based Canadian maple syrup heist