Ryan Murphy is a genius. And he knows how to explore two very popular themes, among the many he has mastered: true crime and conflicts. Monster is the franchise where he retells the story of criminals and Feud tells the story of fights between famous people.

The first season of Feud focused on behind-the-scenes filming of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and the showdown between stars Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. The second season will show the fight between Truman Capote and his friends, whom he called Swans. Monster was a worldwide success on Netflix, retelling the terrifying story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, and will begin recording the second season. Who will be the character? The sociopaths who shocked the world in 1989: the Menendez brothers.

Erick and Lyle Menendez were the protagonists of a frightening familicide, which began with the violent murder of their parents, entertainment executive José Menendez, and his wife, Mary (Kitty), who was killed in their home in Beverly Hills on August 20, 1989. According to the brothers, they were away from home and found them at home, but in the following months, detectives began to notice something strange.

In the now famous recording (used in the Netflix teaser), Lyle called the police to report that ‘someone’ had murdered his parents, claiming that he and Erick discovered the bodies upon returning home after going to the cinema. However, as soon as the funeral passed, the two began to lead a life of excess supported by the inheritance they received. Just as here in Brazil, years later, it was what made Suzanne von Richthofen‘s involvement in the death of her parents clear, it was this lack of mourning that caused distrust of the police. After all, no one could decipher who killed them and the brothers were the only ones with an apparent motive: precisely to receive the inheritance.

Without being able to prove it, the turning point came with something unexpected. Anguished by guilt, Erik began psychological treatment and confessed the crime to his therapist in 1990. The fact that his conversation was overheard by someone (the doctor’s girlfriend) allowed the conversations to be used as evidence and this led to both of them being arrested.

The trial became a TV event, with coverage on all channels. To everyone’s shock, the Menendez brothers alleged physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse, something unusual at the time. According to them, the trauma and fear for their lives led them to commit the brutal and premeditated murder.

The Menendez brothers’ bold defense, led by lawyer Leslie Abramson, divided the country, but the prosecution insisted the motive was pure greed. Here’s the spoiler: in 1996, after two trials, they were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. They almost got away with it.

The story is perfect for cinema and series, so much so that there are several documentaries and series, so many wonder what this 2024 version will be like. The main roles have already been announced: José and Kity, will be played by Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny, and the brothers will be played by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, playing Lyle and Erik Menendez, respectively. They announced that Nathan Lane will play journalist Dominick Dune, who covered it for Vanity Fair, but they have not yet confirmed who Leslie Abramson will play. In Law and Order, she was played by Edie Falco. Whoever it is, it will be a standout role!

Of course, we will follow.

Pesquisar

Pesquisar