Netflix viewers left fuming as they say new Monsters series 'feels wrong'
Across nine gripping episodes, Netflix's new series Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story delves into the infamous 1989 murder of Jose and Mary Louise 'Kitty' Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik.
With renowned actors such as Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny bringing the story to life, this crime series follows on from the successful 2022 Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
Before it was released on September 19, the show has faced criticism over its title with regards to the Menendez brothers actions. One viewer expressed their concerns on social media prior to the show's launch, saying: "I hate that it's called Monsters. Yes these boys did the wrong thing, but I honestly believe it was justified because their parents abused, tortured, and assaulted these boys their whole life."
Continuing their defence, they added: "They wrongfully took away any chance these boys had at living a normal life. IMO they got what they deserved free these boys."
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At the trial, Lyle and Erik, then aged 21 and 18, maintained that they were driven to kill out of fear for their own lives, alleging their father had subjected them to abuse while their mother knowingly turned a blind eye, reports the Express.
One viewer commented on the series' title, saying: "'Like, I get if they copied the same format as the Dahmer series...but just flat out calling it MONSTERS is wild. 'I don't know much about their case, just the basics, but it just feels wrong.'
Before the release of the Netflix show, another individual expressed a more reserved opinion stating they would withhold judgment until they had watched the entire series.
"We will have to wait and see how they portray them in the series, but I'm wondering if it's called Monsters as in how they were labelled in the media at the time of the case, not necessarily calling them monsters," the person explained.
However, there was an opinion that was critical of turning such serious topics into entertainment. One person said: "Feels a bit icky and exploitative to be making these dramatic type series about true crime, and after what happened with the Dahmer series not consulting families of victims or even letting them know, I doubt this story will be handled with grace."
Back in 1996, the brothers faced conviction for the murder of their parents, resulting in life sentences without parole.
Prosecutors maintained that the brothers murdered Jose with the motive of claiming his substantial estate, though the siblings argued it was done in self-defence fearing for their own lives.
The backlash against Netflix's upcoming series follows hot on the heels of the news that Charlie Hunnam is set to appear as murderer Ed Gein in the next chapter of Monsters.
Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story is available to watch on Netflix now.