Plot: This riveting true-crime drama probes the lives of the Menendez brothers, convicted of the brutal 1989 murders of their parents in Beverly Hills.
Pros: Most of the music used to make every sense fell terrifying. The betrayal of the Menendez brothers was compelling. This series shows a lot of intensity and wariness. I’m glad it doesn’t shy away from showing physical, emotional and sexual abuse & it took a few days to finish this series.
Cons: It can be disturbing to watch at times & A lot of dialogue talking that I didn’t get at times.
Genre: Biographical, Crime drama, Anthology
Created by Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan
Showrunners: Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan
Starring: Javier Bardem, Chloë Sevigny, Cooper Koch, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Ari Graynor & Nathan Lane.
Music by
Executive producers: Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Janet Mock, Carl Franklin, Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, Evan Peters, Scott Robertson, David McMillan, Louise Shore, Javier Bardem
Producers: Mathew Hart, Todd Kubrak, Reilly Smith, Lou Eyrich, Rashad Robinson, Richard Jenkins, Peggy Tachdjian, Danielle Wang, Bonnie Muñoz
Cinematography: Jason McCormick
Editors: Stephanie Filo, Taylor Joy Mason
Production companies: Netflix, Prospect Films, Ryan Murphy Television, 20th Television (uncredited)
Network: Netflix
Casts & Characters:
Main:
- Javier Bardem as José Menéndez: Lyle and Erik’s father. Born in Cuba, he is a wealthy and powerful businessman in the entertainment industry, serving as an executive at RCA Records and the CEO of Live Entertainment. He is described as an ambitious and controlling father who imposes high expectations on his sons. Lyle and Erik allege that they killed José in self-defense after years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
- Chloë Sevigny as Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez: Lyle and Erik’s mother who struggles with mental health issues, including depression, alcoholism, and substance abuse. After the murders, Lyle and Erik claim that Kitty had been complicit in the alleged abuse they suffered from their father.
- Cooper Koch as Erik Menéndez: the younger Menéndez brother, who, along with his older brother Lyle, killed their parents in 1989. He is eventually convicted for first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
- Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menéndez: The older Menéndez brother, who, along with his younger brother Erik, killed their parents in 1989. He is eventually convicted for first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
- Ari Graynor as Leslie Abramson: Erik’s lead defense attorney. A notable criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, she is known for her tenacious and aggressive courtroom style, focusing on presenting graphic evidence with explicit details to support the abuse claims.
- Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne: a prominent journalist known for his keen interest in high-profile criminal cases. Writing for Vanity Fair, Dunne becomes a key voice in shaping public perception of the brothers’ story.
Recurring:
- Dallas Roberts as Dr. Jerome Oziel: Erik’s psychologist, to whom he confesses the murders.
- Jason Butler Harner as Det. Les Zoeller: A detective for the Beverly Hills Police Department.
- Leslie Grossman as Judalon Smyth: A former patient and mistress of Dr. Jerome Oziel, who ultimately plays a key role in Lyle and Erik’s arrests.
- Jeff Perry as Peter Hoffman
- Marlene Forte as Marta Cano
- Jade Pettyjohn as Jamie Pisarcik: Lyle’s former girlfriend
- Tanner Stine as Perry Berman
- Enrique Murciano as Carlos Baralt
- Larry Clarke as Brian Andersen
- Drew Powell as Det. Tom Linehan
- Charlie Hall as Craig Cignarelli
- Michael Gladis as Tim Rutten
- Gil Ozeri as Dr. William Vicary
- Brandon Santana as Tony
- Tessa Auberjonois as Dr. Laurel Oziel
- Jess Weixler as Jill Lansing
I recommend watching this series on Netflix.
Rating: 8 out of 10 Stars
Ryan Balkwill:
Resident TV reviewer,
Level Best Art Cafe