By Lauren Hyland
Netflix has developed a reputation for producing true crime content that is both engaging and insightful, often diving deep into complex criminal cases that have captured the public’s attention. Two such productions are The Menendez Brothers, a documentary that explores the infamous 1989 murder of José and Kitty Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik, and “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story“, a scripted drama that fictionalizes the events surrounding the case. Both Netflix offerings bring different perspectives to this well-known crime, offering viewers distinct experiences.
For context, Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of murdering their wealthy parents, José and Kitty, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. Their trials in the 1990s became a media spectacle as the brothers claimed they were victims of years of sexual, emotional and physical abuse by their father, driving them to commit the murders out of fear for their lives. The prosecution, however, argued that the brothers killed their parents to inherit the family fortune.
The Menendez Brothers
The Netflix documentary, The Menendez Brothers, takes the viewer through the real-life events surrounding the case and provides an analysis of the trial, media coverage and aftermath of the murders. It blends archival footage, interviews with legal experts and insights from those close to the case, including defense attorneys and friends of the family.
The documentary delves into the psychological background of the Menendez brothers, offering insight into their childhood and the alleged abuse they endured. This creates a more nuanced understanding of why the brothers might have acted as they did.
By using real footage from the trials, interviews and media reports from the time, the documentary creates an authentic and immersive atmosphere, allowing viewers to feel like they are witnessing the case as it unfolded.
Although the documentary does focus on the abuse allegations as a central aspect of the defense, it also provides arguments from the prosecution and legal experts who were skeptical of these claims. This balance is key in letting the viewer form their own opinion about the brothers’ motivations.
The documentary spends a great deal of time exploring the intricacies of the legal proceedings, which gives it a more factual and educational tone. It doesn’t shy away from pointing out how the media’s portrayal and the changing attitudes toward abuse might have impacted the case.
At times, the documentary can feel a little slow as it meticulously goes through each stage of the trial and the background of the brothers. This can make it feel a bit repetitive for those already familiar with the case. Viewers who are more interested in the psychological or emotional aspects of the case may also find the heavy focus on legal strategies and technicalities less engaging.
“Monsters: The Menendez Brothers Story”
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is a dramatized retelling of the case, falling in line with the broader Monster series, which focuses on notorious criminals. This show leans heavily into the psychological drama of the Menendez brothers and portrays their inner struggles, the abuse they allegedly endured and their eventual decision to murder their parents.
By dramatizing the events, Monsters allows viewers to connect emotionally with Lyle and Erik Menendez. It humanizes them by showing not just the crime, but also the familial dynamics and abuse that allegedly led to it. The portrayal of their fear, trauma and desperation is intense and deeply affecting.
The actors portraying the Menendez brothers do an impressive job of conveying the emotional complexity of their characters. Their performances make the brothers seem both sympathetic and terrifying, adding depth to the narrative that can sometimes be missing in documentaries.
The show uses flashbacks and non-linear storytelling to build suspense. This method keeps viewers engaged and reveals key information gradually, making the psychological unraveling of the brothers more impactful.
The series subtly comments on the role of wealth, privilege and the American legal system, showing how these factors shaped the trial and media coverage.
However, as with any dramatization, “Monsters” takes creative liberties with the real events, which may frustrate viewers who are looking for a more factual account of the case. Some character motivations and scenes are exaggerated or fictionalized for dramatic effect.
Also, because the show explores every possible perspective on the case, it becomes fairly hard to believe. Some perspectives may confuse the viewer and are irrelevant to the real case. For example, the series explores a belief that the brothers were in love and killed their parents to continue their relationship without interference. Although this may have been the perspective of some, it felt like a very out-of-place opinion to explore.
“Monsters” leans heavily on the brothers’ narrative of abuse, which could be seen as one-sided. Although the show acknowledges the doubts about their claims, it doesn’t give equal weight to the prosecution’s argument, making the brothers seem more like victims than perpetrators.
Compared to the documentary, the legal aspects of the trial are not as thoroughly examined in “Monsters”. The focus is more on the emotional drama than the courtroom dynamics, which might disappoint viewers looking for a deep dive into the case’s legal intricacies.
Both “The Menendez Brothers” and “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” offer unique perspectives on the same tragic case, but they serve different audiences and purposes.
Which one should you watch?
For viewers looking for a factual, in-depth analysis, the documentary is the better choice. It covers the legal aspects meticulously and provides a balanced view of both the defense and prosecution’s arguments. The use of real footage and expert interviews lends the documentary a sense of authenticity that will appeal to true crime enthusiasts.
For those interested in emotional storytelling and character-driven narratives, “Monsters” offers a more gripping, dramatized version of the events. It is particularly effective in portraying the psychological and emotional aspects of the case, making it easier for viewers to empathize with the Menendez brothers while questioning their actions.
Ultimately, both productions complement each other. Watching the documentary provides the necessary factual groundwork while the drama adds emotional layers to an already complex story. Together, they offer a well-rounded exploration of the Menendez brothers’ case and the impact it had on American society and the legal system.
