The show “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” directed by Ryan Murphy, aired on Netflix on Thursday, Sept. 19, and it has garnered a lot of public attention. On Oct. 7, “The Menendez Brothers” documentary, directed by Alejandro Hartmann, aired, keeping the controversy around the case alive. The difference is that one is an hour-and-a-half documentary that delves into the personal perspectives of the brothers. On the other hand, the “Monsters” series focuses on the legal and sensational aspects.
The “Monsters” show has sparked conflict between fans and the media. Murphy has received significant criticism, with many believing the show is inaccurate and disrespectful in its portrayal of the brothers. In response, Murphy said, “The Menendez brothers should be sending me flowers. They haven’t had this much attention in 30 years,” defending his show.
Murphy showcased the brothers’ point of view of what they claimed happened. He portrayed Lyle as the rude sibling with anger issues, which many viewers did not like. “I love Nicholas Chavez, but I hate the way Ryan Murphy portrayed Lyle,” stated an anonymous TikTok user. Social media fans have begun defending the brothers and posting so-called “thirst traps,” as they have gained a surge in recognition since the show aired.
In response, Pamela Bozanich, who prosecuted their first trial, said on Hartmann’s Netflix documentary, “The only reason we are doing this special is because of the TikTok movement to free the Menendez brothers,” she said sarcastically. She added that TikTok should make a poll, and then we could all decide who goes home and who doesn’t. “By the way, all you TikTok people, I am armed. We’ve got guns all over the house, so don’t mess with me,” Bozanich said. She still believes the brothers’ abuse defense was fabricated.
In the documentary, the brothers discuss their real experience in prison and their emotional turmoil before and after the murders, despite their spending spree before the killings. The brothers were separated after conviction but were reunited in 2018. Now, Lyle offers support to other abuse victims, and Erik has turned to painting as a form of therapy.
The Netflix documentary “The Menendez Brothers,” directed by Alejandro Hartmann, provides new insights into the 1989 murder of their parents, using 20 hours of fresh phone interviews with Lyle and Erik Menendez from prison. It explores the brothers’ mental state before and after the murders, their life in prison, and the aftermath of their trials.
Both the documentary and the show include the claim that Erik and Lyle were sexually assaulted by their father. Because of this, the case remains relevant. After a mistrial in 1993, a retrial in 1995 resulted in the brothers’ conviction for first-degree murder, sentencing them to life in prison. At the end of the Netflix documentary, it was stated, “On Oct. 3, 2024, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon announced that his office is reviewing the case and will make a decision on whether it warrants a resentencing or retrial.”
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