Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” has stirred quite a debate about its accurate portrayal of the Menendez brothers, infamous for the 1989 murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. Known for using factual details of the Menendez case and creative rendition, series creator Ryan Murphy blurs the line between historical fact and dramatized narrative, sparking questions about where the line between truth and fiction lies.
While the show accurately depicts some components of the crime and its proceedings, like Lyle’s toupee and the reported emotional turmoil within the family, it often dramatizes the true occurrences for viewer enjoyment. Notably, “Monsters” introduces a romantic tension between the brothers, which is unsubstantiated. This choice has faced heavy criticism, especially from Erik Menendez, who, in a public statement, called these depictions “dishonest” and “distorting painful truths” about his life.
Additionally, the show fictionalizes the brothers’ alibi. In the series, Erik and Lyle are portrayed as having left the house after the murders to create an alibi, whereas, in reality, they stayed home that night. These creative liberties have led some viewers to feel that the portrayal sacrifices accuracy for drama, with the show’s creators prioritizing emotional impact over a straightforward retelling. However, the true issue of such inaccuracies is the impact it has on how naive viewers feel towards the brothers. This uproar has caused their case to be reevaluated by both the public and legal analysts, prompting renewed discussions about justice and the complexities of their story.
Ryan Murphy has consistently defended his choices, claiming that about “60 to 65%” of the show centers on the abuse and trauma the Menendez brothers claim they endured, attempting to explore the question of how “monsters are made” rather than born. Murphy says this approach aims to offer both perspectives: the brothers and their parents.
I personally believe that creating such distorted retellings not only threatens the emotional and mental well-being of the brothers (Erik and Lyle) but also undermines the integrity of the justice system. Regardless of the brothers’ guilt or innocence, any prisoner’s verdict should be reached through legitimate legal processes based solely on factual evidence and happenings that are presented in court. The media has fueled extensive public opinion that questions the strength of the U.S. legal system and its procedures.
Ultimately, Monsters raises the question of responsibility in retelling actual events, particularly in high-profile, emotionally charged cases. By balancing real-life details with fictionalized elements, Netflix’s adaptation is less of a documentary and more of a reflection on the complex dynamics of trauma and violence, though at the expense of strict accuracy. For audiences, this mix of fact and fiction makes it essential to approach the series as a dramatization rather than an unvarnished truth. If you want a more accurate retelling of the events and crime, I recommend watching ‘The Menendez Brothers,’ a documentary on Netflix.
