Menendez Brothers: 'Monsters' Review - A Missed Opportunity
The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, are notorious figures in American true crime history. Their brutal murders of their parents in 1989 captivated the nation, leading to a sensational trial and years of legal battles. Now, the Netflix documentary series "Monsters: The Menendez Brothers" aims to offer a fresh perspective on the case, exploring the complexities of their story and delving into the brothers' psychological state. However, while the series attempts to present a nuanced portrait, it ultimately falls short of its ambitious goal, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
A Focus on the Brothers, Not the Victims
One of the biggest criticisms of the series is its emphasis on the Menendez brothers' perspectives, often at the expense of their victims, Jose and Kitty Menendez. While the series does briefly touch on the impact of the murders on the family, it primarily focuses on the brothers' childhood, their relationship with their parents, and their claims of abuse. This unbalanced approach can feel insensitive and dismissive of the suffering endured by the victims.
A Lack of New Information
"Monsters: The Menendez Brothers" relies heavily on previously reported information, offering little new insight into the case. While the series does include interviews with some family members and friends, these interviews often repeat familiar narratives and fail to uncover anything truly revelatory. This lack of fresh perspectives leaves viewers feeling like they are simply revisiting a well-trodden path, rather than exploring new ground.
A Missing Psychological Exploration
The series' title, "Monsters," suggests a deep dive into the psychology of the Menendez brothers, examining what led them to commit such a horrific crime. However, the documentary fails to deliver on this promise. While it touches on the brothers' troubled past and their claims of abuse, it doesn't offer a convincing explanation for their actions. The lack of expert analysis and psychological insights leaves viewers with an incomplete understanding of the brothers' motives and the factors that contributed to the murders.
A Missed Opportunity for Justice
Ultimately, "Monsters: The Menendez Brothers" presents a missed opportunity to explore a complex and controversial case with depth and nuance. Its focus on the brothers' perspective, lack of new information, and superficial exploration of their psychology leave viewers unsatisfied. While the documentary certainly provides a platform for the brothers to share their side of the story, it ultimately falls short of delivering a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of this infamous case.
Conclusion
"Monsters: The Menendez Brothers" offers a decent, but ultimately flawed, retelling of a notorious true crime story. While the series attempts to present a nuanced portrait of the Menendez brothers, it ultimately falls short of its ambitious goal. With its lack of new information, insufficient psychological exploration, and heavy focus on the brothers' perspective at the expense of the victims, the series leaves viewers with more questions than answers.
