True Crime continues its resurgence in pop culture, becoming one of the most popular genres on streaming sites like Netflix. However, with it becoming mainstream comes the inaccuracies in storytelling that often forget that this is not fiction but a lived experience, and this is particularly true to Netflix’s current adaptation following the Menendez brothers. TV Creator Ryan Murphy’s MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story only reinforces a dangerous aesthetic. The streaming giant’s true crime documentaries often adhered to a particular aesthetic, lending authenticity to often skewed and biased perspectives. Now, its adaptation continues to earn the ire of the Menendez brothers, their families, and even true crime fans who follow the story.
Grotesque, Vile, and Inaccurate
These are the three words often used in articles describing Netflix’s newest Monsters anthology with Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. The anthology started last year with Jeffrey Dahmer. This year, it focused on the story of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the Menendez brothers. As the story is publicized, people are now arguing about Ryan’s adaptation, criticizing it for its exploitative nature, including the sexualization of their relationship. Ryan claims that this was the product of years of research. However, his claims are eerily similar and heavily biased towards the trial coverage by Vanity Fair crime reporter Dominick Dunne’s narrative.
Dominick Dunne, played by Nathan Lane in Monsters, was a Vanity Fair crime reporter famous for his coverage of the 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez and the subsequent trials, which ended in the brothers’ conviction in 1996. Some of Dunne’s more controversial theories were presented in Monsters, including the allegation that Erik and Lyle have an incestuous relationship. One scene in the series even shows the brothers showering together.
Menendez Brothers Family Strikes Back
Following the release of “Monsters” on Netflix, Tammi Menendez posted a statement from her husband, Erik Menendez, who slammed the show and said Ryan was “naive and inaccurate” in his portrayal of the Menendez brothers. Murphy only responded that he’d be proud of the artist who portrayed him if he watched the show. However, many of Netflix’s True Crime documentaries often forget that the murderers still had family living and know more than the general public. The family, 24 strong, stated how Ryan’s grotesque shock drama had victimized them. They added that Murphy claims he spent years researching the case but wholly relied on the now-debunked reporter Dominick Dunne, pro-prosecution hack, to justify his “slander” towards the Menendez brothers.
The family shockingly reveals that Ryan never spoke to the family when creating this show. For them, Erik and Lyle’s character assassination under the guise of storytelling is repulsive, especially to the family who watched them grow up and knew the unimaginably turbulent lives they endured. The family stated they knew the Menendez brothers, loved them and remained close to this day. Several of them were eyewitnesses to the many atrocities Jose and Kitty committed toward their sons, atrocities no one should ever have to bear witness to. The family slammed Ryan Murphy, Netflix, and everyone involved in making this disastrous series.
Netflix’s dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding the Menendez brothers’ crime has taken the painful truths several steps backward, bringing both the brothers and their families back into an era wherein prosecution built a narrative on a belief system that men weren’t sexually abused and experienced rape trauma differently. Monsters didn’t show a slight understanding of the impact of years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In the end, the family stated that maybe the documentary Monster isn’t truly about the Menendez brothers but about Ryan Murphy and his character.
Final Thoughts
MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story continues to be criticized for making a romanticization of True Crime and continues Ryan’s mistake of not consulting victims’ families and one-sided narrative. Viewers and critics continue to question Ryan’s motive in this adaptation. Was it for shock value? Critics argue that Ryan and Netflix mishandled the responsibility of retelling real-life horrors. Netflix’s true crime adaptation has triggered”True Crime Fatigue” in the community. The storytelling could’ve worked in a fictional tale. However, for a true crime case as serious as this, it only proved what people know and added to their distrust of the system and the media, especially in handling cases involving abuse.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed!
