Monsters star defends ‘incest’ storyline after backlash: “Not everything should be taken literally”

As a connoisseur of true-crime dramas who has delved deep into the annals of infamous cases, I must say that “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is undeniably a gripping addition to Netflix’s lineup. The series masterfully weaves intrigue, suspense, and a touch of controversy, making it a captivating watch for those who revel in the complexities of real-life mysteries.

Over the past seven days since its debut, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has been generating quite a buzz as one of the most discussed Netflix series in recent memory.

Additionally, many viewers, like the real-life Erik Menendez, have voiced their concerns over how the on-screen depiction of the brothers’ relationship appears unusual to them.

Occasionally, I’ve found myself contemplating the portrayal of Erik and Lyle’s bond, which at times seems to border on a romantic or familial level that’s almost too intimate, such as the moment they share a shower together in certain scenes.

Ryan Murphy, the show’s creator, explained to Entertainment Tonight that this representation of the relationship was a means of “sharing various perspectives and theories from numerous individuals associated with the case.” He further emphasized that Dominick Dunne had penned multiple articles discussing this particular theory.

He mentioned that the idea wasn’t only proposed by Dominick, but as portrayed in the series, it was during a dinner party where he was speculating about various possibilities regarding what could have transpired.

To ensure we’re all on the same page, let me clarify that this isn’t a real-life account or documentary. It’s a dramatization, so not every detail should be taken literally. In this scenario, Dominick Dunne is expressing his opinions at a dinner party, suggesting possible events and emphasizing they might not have involved José.

It’s essentially the same as Hercule Poirot convening everyone and suggesting various scenarios like ‘This occurred, then this, and perhaps not as we think’. In essence, it’s an author speculating about events, much like discussing theories at a social gathering.

Lane further explained: “People might not need to interpret the show as a literal representation of their relationship. Instead, it’s important to remember that there are various perspectives on them, ranging from being quite compassionate to less understanding, as seen through both their perspective and Leslie Abramson’s.

Indeed, since they brutally murdered their parents, leaving a chilling image in everyone’s mind, this serves as a point of reflection. This tragic act sparks numerous theories among the audience regarding the circumstances, ultimately allowing each individual to form their own conclusions about the events.

He added: “Obviously, this has become sensationalised because everyone has been talking about this, but that’s not what the series is about.”

This nine-episode series narrates the true story of the Menendez brothers, who were found guilty in 1996 for the killings of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez.

According to the series summary: “While the prosecution believed the brothers were trying to claim their family’s wealth, the brothers maintain, even while serving life sentences with no chance of parole, that their actions were driven by a persistent fear from years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse inflicted upon them by their parents.

The series ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ delves deep into a historical case that captivated the globe, sparked today’s true crime obsession, and invites viewers to consider: Who among us is truly the monster?

2024-09-26 16:04

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