Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story- Did Netflix Miss the Mark?

Welcome back, true crime fam! Today, we're diving into one of the most jaw-dropping cases that’s been on my radar for years: the Menendez brothers. There’s just something about this story that’s always had me hooked—the idea of two brothers from a wealthy Beverly Hills family turning on their parents in such a brutal, calculated way. It’s chilling, it’s complicated, and it's the kind of case that stands out in true crime history. So, when Netflix dropped The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story as part of their Monsters anthology, you better believe I was queued up to watch.

I have got to be honest—Netflix brought their A-game with this one. The series has all the drama, the tension, and those shocking twists that keep you glued to the screen. But here’s the thing: as bingeable as it was, I found myself wondering…is this really the full story, or did Netflix give us a polished Hollywood spin? As someone who’s done a deep dive into the gritty details of the real case, it feels like the perfect time to break down Monsters and see if it truly captured the essence of what went down—or if it took a few too many liberties for the sake of drama.

The Real Story: Why the Menendez Brothers Shocked America...

To understand this case fully, it’s important to start with what actually happened. On August 20, 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez shot their parents, José and Kitty, in their Beverly Hills mansion. José was a wealthy entertainment executive, and the family enjoyed a privileged lifestyle. But behind the scenes, there were allegations of abuse, manipulation, and a fractured family dynamic. The brothers’ defense during their 1993 trial was built on these claims of abuse, particularly from their father, José. They argued that years of alleged psychological and sexual abuse drove them to a state of desperation and fear, leading them to commit murder. Prosecutors, however, presented a different story, portraying the brothers as cold, calculating individuals who were motivated by the desire to inherit their parents’ wealth.

The forensic evidence became a crucial component of the case. Autopsy reports indicated that both parents were shot at close range in what appeared to be an execution-style killing, challenging the brothers’ narrative of acting out of sudden fear. The trajectory of the shots, the gunpowder residue, and the multiple gunshot wounds all pointed toward premeditation, according to experts who testified.

How Monsters Tackled the Case...

So now, onto the Netflix version of things. Monsters takes us deep into the emotional trenches of the Menendez brothers’ lives. The series dives into their alleged trauma and family dynamics, spending a lot of time on the abuse they claimed to have suffered. Some viewers found this approach really engaging—it added complexity and brought new understanding to the brothers’ motivations. But, here’s the thing: not everyone felt this way. In fact, some viewers think Netflix took things too far in one direction, making it seem like the brothers’ claims of abuse were front and center, while the cold, hard facts got left in the background.

Then there’s the elephant in the room—Monsters suggests an incestuous relationship between Lyle and Erik, a claim that’s, well, nowhere in the court records. This part sparked a whole new wave of controversy, with fans and critics arguing that the show leaned into sensationalism instead of sticking to the known facts. To be fair, it definitely got people talking, but many true crime enthusiasts weren’t thrilled about a Hollywood twist that didn’t have a clear basis in the real case.

Erik Menendez Isn’t Exactly Pleased...

Turns out, it’s not just fans and critics who have issues with the series—Erik Menendez himself has weighed in, calling Monsters a “dishonest portrayal” and expressing disappointment with how Netflix represented his and his brother’s story. He says the show missed the mark, framing things in a way that didn’t really capture their perspective. And as if that wasn’t enough drama, series creator Ryan Murphy clapped back, saying that the show was meant to show multiple perspectives—including the victims’. Murphy even hinted that the brothers should be happy people are still interested in their case, even if it’s not the portrayal they’d prefer. This back-and-forth has only fueled the debate over the show’s accuracy and approach, with viewers split between those who appreciate the emotional depth and those who feel it might’ve gotten a bit too “creative.”

The Real Forensics Netflix Skipped...

When investigators arrived at the Menendez mansion, they found a scene that was more like a horror show than a random shootout. The whole setup was almost clinical—every piece of evidence pointed to a controlled, deliberate attack. José and Kitty had multiple gunshot wounds, the bodies were positioned in a way that looked anything but accidental, and even the choice of ammo suggested this wasn’t some impulsive crime of passion. One of the biggest forensic bombshells? Gunshot residue. Residue on and around the entry wounds proved the shots were fired at point-blank range—this wasn’t the brothers firing from across the room in terror. This was up-close, personal, and, frankly, execution-style. Monsters kind of skims over this, but in the real case, this was critical evidence that made the “we acted in self-defense” story hard to swallow.

Then there’s the infamous “pause.” Forensic experts noted that, between shots, there was a moment’s hesitation—especially in Kitty’s case. This wasn’t a burst of uncontrolled rage; this was cold, deliberate, with pauses that gave the brothers time to reconsider and go through with it anyway. But Monsters mostly focuses on the brothers’ inner turmoil, leaving out this important detail. Blood spatter analysis showed that Kitty likely tried to escape, with spatter patterns and bullet trajectories pointing to her being shot while moving. In other words, the evidence suggested she was a fleeing target, not a threat. This part doesn’t get much attention in the show, but in the actual investigation, it painted a chilling picture of calculated control over the scene.

The choice of shotgun shells wasn’t random, either. Shotguns at close range create devastating injuries, and the way the brothers retrieved some of the shells afterward pointed to serious planning. Forensic experts saw this as further proof of premeditation, but Monsters keeps it subtle, focusing more on the emotional side of things than on the methodical cleanup that real investigators found so damning.

Final Verdict: Did Netflix Get It Right?

So, what’s the final takeaway? The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is undeniably binge-worthy, with plenty of drama, tension, and twists to keep you hooked. But if you’re after a play-by-play of the facts, it’s worth noting that Monsters leans heavily on the psychological and emotional angles. The show digs deep into the alleged abuse and the brothers’ struggles, which provides a fresh perspective but may leave out some key forensic details and prosecutorial points that influenced the original verdict.

If you’re new to the Menendez case, Monsters offers a gripping introduction, but remember that it’s a dramatization with its own creative twist. The real-life case was complex, involving more than just one side of the story. So, as you watch (and maybe find yourself rethinking your views on the brothers), keep in mind that true crime is never as simple as it seems on screen—and the Menendez brothers’ story is one that goes way beyond a Netflix binge.