"Monsters": The Menendez Story Review - Good, Bad, & Ugly
The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, are undoubtedly one of the most notorious and captivating murder cases in American history. Their story, full of family dysfunction, wealth, and the chilling brutality of a double homicide, has been chronicled in countless documentaries, books, and even a 1994 miniseries. Now, Netflix dives into the case once more with "Monsters: The Menendez Story," a four-part documentary series that attempts to offer a fresh perspective.
The Good:
- In-depth Interviews: The series features extensive interviews with both Lyle and Erik Menendez, providing viewers with a unique insight into their mindset and the events leading up to the murders. This direct access is a powerful aspect, offering a glimpse into the minds of the killers themselves.
- Focus on the Victims: While the documentary delves into the complexities of the Menendez case, it doesn't lose sight of the victims, Jose and Kitty Menendez. Their story is woven throughout, reminding viewers of the human cost of the tragedy.
- Exploring the Context: "Monsters" goes beyond the immediate events, delving into the family dynamics, the history of abuse, and the wider societal context of the case. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the crime.
The Bad:
- Repetitive Narrative: The series tends to revisit the same events and perspectives repeatedly, making it feel repetitive and sometimes redundant. This pacing could have been tightened for a more engaging and impactful narrative.
- Lack of New Information: While the interviews with the brothers are valuable, the series doesn't offer any groundbreaking revelations or fresh insights into the case. Much of the information presented is already familiar to those who have followed the Menendez story.
- Unbalanced Coverage: The documentary leans heavily on the defense narrative, leaving the prosecution's perspective relatively underdeveloped. This imbalance could lead to a biased interpretation of the events, especially for those unfamiliar with the case.
The Ugly:
- Exploitation of Tragedy: Despite the series' intent to explore the case with nuance, it can feel exploitative at times. The focus on the Menendez brothers' personal stories, while providing insight, can also sensationalize their actions and minimize the gravity of the crime.
- Lack of Accountability: While "Monsters" explores the difficult questions surrounding the Menendez brothers' actions and their potential justifications, it ultimately fails to hold them accountable for their actions. The series focuses more on understanding their motivations than on the profound impact their actions had on their family, the community, and the justice system.
Overall:
"Monsters: The Menendez Story" is a decent effort to revisit a notorious case. The series features strong interviews, compelling footage, and explores the complexities of the situation. However, its repetitive narrative, lack of new information, and uneven coverage can leave the viewer feeling unsatisfied. Ultimately, the documentary raises important questions about justice, family, and the limits of empathy, but it also fails to provide a conclusive answer. Whether you consider it a valuable addition to the Menendez story or another rehash of a well-worn narrative is a matter of personal perspective.
