Hold onto your hearts, folks, because “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” Episode 5, “The Hurt Man,” takes us deeper into the darkness surrounding the Menendez brothers, exposing a chilling cycle of abuse and a family fractured by secrets and betrayal. This episode, though, is more than just a chilling exposé; it’s a masterclass in filmmaking and storytelling.
Let’s talk about that opening scene. My aunt and I were glued to the screen, practically holding our breath as Erik recounted his experiences to Leslie Abramson. And when we realized it was a single, unbroken 33-minute take? Our jaws hit the floor. Even two minutes of uninterrupted one take screen time is a feat, but 33 minutes? That’s a whole new level of intensity.
And the way the camera slowly zoomed in on Erik, starting with Leslie’s glorious mane of hair in the foreground and gradually focusing solely on him, his raw emotions laid bare? It was mesmerizing. You couldn’t help but be sucked into his every word, every tear, every flicker of pain in his eyes. It was like watching a masterclass in acting, directing, and cinematography all rolled into one.
Seriously, this episode alone deserves a whole shelf of Emmy awards. Best actor, best cinematography, writing, editing – the whole shebang! Even my kitty and my aunt’s cat were shedding tears (okay, maybe they were just napping, but the point stands!). With a runtime of 36 minutes and 33 of those dedicated to a single, unbroken take, it’s clear that quality was the name of the game here.
But beyond the technical brilliance, “The Hurt Man” delves into the heart of Erik’s trauma, exposing a twisted cycle of abuse and a family dynamic that’s both heartbreaking and disturbing. Erik’s account of his father’s abuse is nothing short of harrowing. He describes how the abuse escalated from seemingly innocent massages to horrific acts of sexual violence, leaving him feeling violated and betrayed by the person who should have protected him. His father’s twisted justification for the abuse – that it would make Erik “strong” – adds another layer of horror to the story.
And then there’s the revelation of his mother’s complicity. The image of her inspecting his genitals for signs of sexually transmitted diseases is seared into my memory. It’s a chilling reminder of the deep-seated dysfunction within the Menendez family and the ways in which abuse can be perpetuated by those who are supposed to love and protect you.
This episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of the Menendez brothers’ case and the factors that led to their tragic actions. It’s a chilling reminder that even in the most affluent and seemingly perfect families, darkness can lurk beneath the surface.
So, if you’re ready for another dose of true crime that will challenge your perceptions and leave you pondering the depths of human suffering, this episode is not to be missed. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, from anger and sadness to empathy and heartbreak. And one more thing: Don’t underestimate the power of trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, or the importance of seeking help when you need it. This episode is a chilling reminder that the scars of abuse can run deep, but with support and understanding, healing is possible.
And hey, if you’re looking for a true crime binge-watching buddy, grab your marg and settle in for a wild ride. MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR DEVICES IN “DO NOT DISTURB” MODE! This is not a multitasking episode, where you can do work and have it on in the background.
My aunt and I devoured half the season in one sitting, and we’re still talking about it! This episode had me yelling at the screen, “Those poor boys! Someone get them a hug (and a really good therapist)!” But hey, that’s what makes true crime so captivating, right? It forces us to confront the darkness within ourselves and question everything we thought we knew about human nature.
Rated: unrated (USA)
Runtime: 36 minutes
Release Date September 19, 2024
My rating: 10.0 Mainasty Masterpieces
https://www.netflix.com/title/81665094
| Episode Directed by | Michael Uppendahl |
| Episode Written by | Ian Brennan |
| Showrunners | Ryan Murphy Ian Brennan |
|---|---|
| Starring | Javier Bardem Chloë Sevigny Cooper Koch Nicholas Alexander Chavez Ari Graynor Nathan Lane |
| Number of episodes in this season | 9 |
