Following the arrival of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix on September 19, the streamer is releasing a documentary that tackles the drama series’ biggest criticisms.
The crime series hasn’t been available on Netflix for long, but it’s already become a divisive topic among viewers. Ryan Murphy’s take on the Menendez brothers’ story is filled with opulence, crises, and an over-the-top style, which has earned it its fair share of criticism.
The addition of an incestuous subplot between the two brothers in particular sparked anger among fans. Additionally, the real Erik Menendez released a statement from prison, calling the series “inaccurate” and filled with “blatant lies.”
But today, Netflix has released the trailer for its upcoming documentary, The Menendez Brothers. The new film is set to explore the same story from a different angle, with contributions from Erik and Lyle themselves. The platform appears to be tackling the “fanfiction” allegations head on.
The documentary, which will be available on the platform on October 7, includes interviews with the brothers themselves, 30 years after they were imprisoned for the murder of their parents. It also includes contributions from other figures involved in the case, such as the trial prosecutor, Pam Bozanich.
Those who have watched Monsters seem to be divided on the new version, with some being grateful that there is a new perspective on the case, while others calling it “damage control.”
As user X wrote:”Lyle is the only person who has ever protected me.” And Ryan Murphy had the audacity to describe their relationship like THIS.
“Netflix is now trying to do damage control after releasing Monsters, which portrayed two men who suffered traumatic childhood abuse and portrayed them as incestuous, money-hungry rich kids, all for drama and money. Now they want to make a real documentary. What a joke,” said another.
Another said: “This book coming out right after Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story makes me happy because Ryan Murphy has done so much mischief to these brothers. They deserve to have their story told THE RIGHT WAY!!”
“This is really disgusting,” one wrote. user. “Having Lyle and Erik work with you to retell their stories after 30 years, then continuing to run your disgusting incest fanfic about them, then publishing their side of the story after the fact to cover your own back. Please, throw rocks.”
The Menendez Brothers is coming to the streaming service on October 7, 2024.
In the meantime, find out more about the case with our guides to the Monsters wig, Jose Menendez’s worth, and take a look at the Monsters ending explained. Also, don’t miss all the other new TV shows this month.