The Menendez brothers and their case has spanned decades leaving an interesting but tragic mark on pop culture and society. According to “History,” in 1989 Lyle and Erik Menendez shot “their parents, Jose and Kitty, to death in the family’s den in Beverly Hills….” Later, the brothers drove to Mulholland Drive where they hid their weapons “before continuing to a local movie theater to buy tickets as an alibi.” “When the pair returned home, Lyle called 911 crying, “Somebody killed my parents!”. As a result, the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Recently the case has gained new popularity, with Netflix releasing two documentaries showcasing different portrayals of the brothers and their cases. The docu-series: “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Chronicles” released September 14th focuses more on a theatrical portrayal of the case, stressing the savagery and somewhat spoiled bratty perspective many have of the brothers. The second documentary: “The Menendez Brothers” released October 2nd includes audio recordings from the brothers currently, and their anecdotes and perspectives highlighting the future possibilities of freedom for the pair. Many have contrasting views about each narrative, especially considering both brothers were adolescents when arrested. Roosevelt students have differing beliefs about each series favoring a certain account.

The Menendez case’s location and scandalous details led the first trial to be televised publicly painting the brothers as greedy, money-hungry children. Regardless of public perception, the first case had a hung jury due to the claim that the pair were sexually abused by their father Jose. During the second trial, the defense could not argue sexual abuse or use any testimonies that could paint the pair as victims of such acts, leading to their life conviction. Due to these polar conclusions, many saw Netflix’s documentaries as a way to understand their truth.

Ryan Murphy’s “Monsters” portrayed the pair as many saw them at the time: evil, selfish, and power-hungry. The documentary went in-depth into Jose and Kitty’s life as young adults, highlighting Jose’s American dream storyline: coming from Cuba building a life for himself, and eventually becoming a successful music producer and manager. When it came to Kitty they portrayed her as a depressed housewife battling with intense mental chaos. Murphy’s emphasis on the parents and their struggles led many to feel guilt-tripped and sympathy for the pair. His portrayal of the brothers was the polar opposite, painting Lyle specifically as an enraged man who lashed out at the world and Eric as emotionally unstable. Murphy also highlighted the judge’s thoughts on the brothers believing like the public that they were evil and deserved no mercy. Eleanor Roosevelt junior Enaya Durrani thinks that Murphy’s portrayal was made “ to explore different perspectives” dramatizing “ a lot for entertainment”, especially concerning Lyle’s character making him “ seem like an angry enraged person” when in reality many friends and family believe the opposite.

In contrast to Murphy’s docu-series, the documentary focused more on a realistic description of the case including many personal recordings from each brother, jury opinions from both trials, and family interviews. Despite public opinion, the documentary accentuates how guilty the brothers feel about their actions, and how in a way prison has helped them understand and heal their inner selves. Junior Yadira Reyes believes that the documentary brings insight into mental health and physical abuse and how gender can play a role when characterizing victims.

Overall both portrayals have given the brothers a second chance, with the public urging California’s district attorney to review their case and release them as time served, in connection to new evidence regarding sexual abuse. According to California law, the brothers could be set free considering both brothers were twenty-six at the time and have since served thirty years in prison. More is yet to come for the pair, possibly light at the end of a dark tunnel releasing them from years of scrutiny.