Netflix’s Monstruos Explores Menéndez Brothers' Infamous Crime and Abuse

The Netflix series Monstruos delves into the real-life, shocking case of the Menéndez brothers, Lyle and Erik, who were convicted for the brutal murders of their parents in 1989. Released on September 19, the series has quickly become a hit, driven by its portrayal of one of the most infamous true crime stories in American history. The show stars Javier Bardem as the tyrannical father, José Menéndez, whose oppressive behavior, according to the brothers, drove them to commit the crime.

The crime itself, which took place in their Beverly Hills mansion, stunned the American public. In the series' nine episodes, Monstruos explores the Menéndez brothers' troubled childhood and the events that led to the fateful night. Initially, the brothers claimed innocence and portrayed themselves as victims, but Erik eventually confessed to their psychologist, revealing the truth. Although bound by confidentiality, the psychologist's girlfriend leaked the tapes to the police, leading to the brothers' arrest in March 1990.

The trial was widely covered in the media, with the brothers claiming that years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by their father were the driving forces behind their actions. This abuse is central to their defense in Monstruos, as it paints a picture of their desperate need to escape a life of torment. While prosecutors argued that the brothers killed their parents to inherit the family fortune, Lyle and Erik maintained that they acted out of self-defense. Bardem’s portrayal of José Menéndez brings to life the depiction of a cruel, controlling father whose demands and abuse were impossible to escape.

Despite the brothers’ claims of abuse, the court ultimately convicted them of first-degree murder. In 1996, they were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. To prevent any risk of collaboration, the authorities separated the brothers, sending them to different prisons.

The Netflix series, however, has sparked controversy. Erik Menéndez has publicly criticized the series for its portrayal of events, arguing that it distorts reality and paints him and his brother as heartless criminals. According to Erik, their actions were a desperate response to the ongoing abuse they suffered at the hands of their father, abuses that their mother, who was also murdered, did nothing to stop. He insists that their crime was motivated by self-defense and the desire to break free from years of mistreatment.

Monstruos taps into the enduring fascination with true crime stories, offering a complex narrative that blends elements of family drama, psychological torment, and societal intrigue. The series forces viewers to question whether the Menéndez brothers were cold-blooded killers or victims who reached a breaking point after years of suffering. Despite Erik's objections, the show continues to captivate audiences, reflecting on the horrifying impact of abuse within families and the tragic consequences that followed in this case.