Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Episodes 1 – 3

What’s it about?

This series explores the sensational case of Lyle and Erik Menendez who were convicted of killing their parents in 1989.

The facts

• Created by Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story) and Ian Brennan (Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story)
• English language
• Based on true events
• Runtime: 9 episodes, ~60 minutes
• Stars Javier Bardem, Chloë Sevigny,

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Family violence

There are scenes where a man and woman are yelling, throwing items and pulling at the clothes of their children.

A woman violently pulls a hairpiece off the head of a man, he is not physically injured, and it is clear this is to humiliate him.

Graphic violence

A man and woman are shot repeatedly with shotguns, the wounds are bloody and visceral with the following being the most impactful:

• Part of a hand and finger is shot off
• A man is shot in the head with the wound shown closeup

The aftermath of the shooting is shown in multiple scenes with close-up shots of the gunshot wounds for both the man and the woman.

Nudity

Frontal male nudity is shown for short amounts of time.

Sexual violence

A man talks about experiencing sexual abuse by a family member as a child, there is reference to cum.

Suicide themes

A man talks about feeling suicidal and there are scenes of him holding a shotgun under his chin.

There are brief scenes of a man snorting cocaine.

Offensive language

There is frequent use of offensive language including words such as “f*ck”, “f*ggot”, “motherf*cker”, “sh*t” and “goddamn”.

Helplines:

The scenes of domestic violence and discussions of abuse could be upsetting for some viewers. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• How 'Monsters The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story' Has Impacted the Real Case (collider.com)