The second installment of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s true-crime anthology series for Netflix, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” is capturing attention with its recent casting announcement. American actress Leslie Grossman, known for her roles in “American Horror Story,” is joining the talented ensemble cast. With her unique portrayal of Judalon Smyth, a key figure in the Menendez case, Grossman is set to add depth and complexity to the narrative.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” delves into the infamous case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who shocked the nation with the brutal murder of their parents in 1989. Initially viewed as unlikely suspects, the Menendez brothers soon found themselves at the center of a gripping investigation that would unveil a history of abuse and manipulation.
An Enigmatic Character: Judalon Smyth
Leslie Grossman takes on the role of Judalon Smyth, a former patient and mistress of Dr. Jerome Oziel, who becomes entangled in the Menendez case. Smyth’s involvement proves crucial to Lyle and Erik’s arrests. With Grossman’s considerable acting prowess, she is bound to bring depth and nuance to this enigmatic character, capturing the complexity of Smyth’s motivations and actions.
A Stellar Cast
Grossman joins an already impressive cast, including Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch as Lyle and Erik Menendez, Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as their parents, and Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne. Ari Graynor, another accomplished actor, portrays Leslie Abramson. With such a stellar ensemble, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” promises to deliver compelling performances and gripping storytelling.
Unraveling the Menendez Brothers’ Story
The Menendez case became a media sensation, captivating the nation much like the infamous O.J. Simpson trial. The trial revolved around the defense’s argument that Lyle and Erik acted out of desperation, driven by years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse inflicted by their father. The prosecution, however, contended that the brothers sought to gain control of their father’s substantial wealth. Ultimately, the Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
A Rising Phenomenon
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” follows the success of the first installment of the anthology series, “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Featuring Evan Peters’ chilling portrayal of the notorious serial killer, the show quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular English-language series. The immense popularity of the first season prompted the green light for two follow-up installments, with “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” being the first.
Leslie Grossman’s addition to the cast of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is a testament to her impressive range as an actress. Having appeared in the last five seasons of Murphy’s “American Horror Story,” Grossman has established herself as a talented performer. Her versatile acting abilities have been showcased in various television shows, including “Love, Victor,” “The Goldbergs,” “Goliath,” and “The Good Place.”
The inclusion of Leslie Grossman in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” adds another layer of intrigue to an already captivating series. With a compelling storyline, talented cast, and the masterful storytelling of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, this upcoming season promises to be a riveting exploration of one of the most infamous true crime cases in history.