Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story revisits one of America's most infamous family murders, raising the question: How much of what we see on screen reflects reality? The show dramatises the shocking events when the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, murdered their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. But where does the series stay true to life, and where does it take creative liberties? Let's explore the key moments.
The Murders
On the night of August 20, 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez shot their parents with shotguns at close range in their Beverly Hills mansion. José Menendez was shot five times, including in the head, while Kitty was shot ten times, leaving her nearly unrecognisable. The brothers initially staged the murders as a mafia hit.
The series captures the gruesome nature of the crime, but its dramatisation of the event's emotional buildup may be more speculative. While the real-life case offers a cold, calculated image of the murders, the show attempts to dive into the brothers' mental states, offering viewers insight into their motives.
The Motive
Initially, prosecutors argued that Lyle and Erik killed their parents for financial gain, citing their immediate spending spree post-murders. The defence later introduced claims of long-term sexual abuse by José Menendez, presenting the killings as acts of desperation and self-defence.
The show grapples with the complexity of the brothers' alleged abuse, offering viewers an inside look at their traumatic childhood. The narrative leans heavily into the abuse defence, possibly to evoke sympathy from viewers.
The Aftermath
After the murders, Lyle and Erik quickly began spending large sums of money, purchasing expensive cars, watches, and even a restaurant. This behaviour fueled the prosecution's argument that the murders were premeditated for financial gain.
The series presents the brothers' post-murder spending spree, though it tries to paint it as a coping mechanism rather than evidence of greed. The show hints at the brothers being emotionally detached and using material items to escape their trauma.
The Trials
The Menendez trials were among the first televised, capturing the nation's attention. The defence's strategy hinged on the abuse claims, while the prosecution focused on the financial motive. The first trial ended in a hung jury, and the brothers were eventually retried and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The series does an excellent job of recreating the media frenzy surrounding the trial, and the courtroom scenes feel authentic. However, it occasionally simplifies complex legal arguments for the sake of clarity. For instance, the intense public scrutiny and media portrayal of the brothers as either victims or cold-blooded killers is condensed into more digestible scenes.
Where Does the Show Stand?
Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story walks the fine line between fact and fiction, bringing to life the emotional turmoil of one of the most controversial cases in American history. While it remains primarily faithful to the timeline of events, it undoubtedly adds dramatic flair and emotional depth where the real-life details remain uncertain.
