Recent exposure to the infamous Menendez Brothers’ case, which captivated audiences in the early ’90s, has sparked renewed interest among young people. The Netflix series Monsters, directed by Ryan Murphy and released on September 19, 2024, offers a fresh look at the Menendez Brothers’ story, rekindling public debate and inspiring younger generations to examine the past with a new perspective.
The series has drawn thousands of views daily, with fans flocking to social media to debate the case. U-High senior Levyn Snow watched the series soon after its release. “My social media is filled with discussions about the Menendez Brothers. People are always talking about the case at school, and everyone has their perspective,” Snow explained. “The show made me feel like I watched the trial unfold back then. I felt like I was living through it and experiencing what the brothers were going through.”
Reflecting on the impact of modern understandings of trauma, some believe that the results would be different nowadays. “If this case were to go to trial today, I think the verdict might have been different,” Snow said. “We’re in an era where there’s more awareness about abuse and PTSD, and that knowledge could change the way people view what happened.”
Emma Lehnen, U-High junior and true crime enthusiast, shared how the show influenced her perception of the Menendez case. “I’ve always been interested in true crime; this show made me more aware of the gap between people’s real stories and what the media portrays,” she said. Lehnen appreciated the show’s balanced approach. “Through ten episodes, we see the views of people who believe the brothers were victims of abuse alongside those who think they acted out of greed. There’s no clear-cut answer—it’s up to the viewer to decide,” she reflected.
Nonetheless, some critics argue that Monsters leans toward portraying the brothers as victims and overlooks other facts of the case. “I don’t think they should be released,” junior Kendall Thacker said. “They committed a crime that they are 100% guilty of, and they admitted it. People that commit that crime should go to jail for it.”
The recent series and online discourse have placed the Menendez Brothers back in the spotlight, sparking questions about justice, punishment, and our evolving understanding of abuse. With a new bid for resentencing prompting prosecutors to review the case, millions are watching and waiting: Will shifting social views on trauma and justice give the Menendez Brothers a chance at freedom—or will the judge keep the original verdict? For now, public opinion remains divided as the brothers await their next hearing that was recently rescheduled for the end of January.