Review of Catfish (2010) by Jeffrey L — 05 Jan 2012

A documentary with a low budget but has the remarkable capability to have a shattering impact, Catfish is a true story shedding light on the controversial yet relevant topic of forming relationships over the internet. As some young guys travel a significant distance to meet someone they were Facebook friends with, little do they know a shock of a lifetime might be heading their way.

A reality documentary set in 2007, a couple of young filmmakers film random events throughout their day. But things spice up when they receive a painting from one of their friends, a young girl from Michigan. They connect with the girls' family members (particularly her mother and brother) and start talking on the phone, e-mailing and post on each others' Facebook walls on a very consistent basis. But the sister, who seems to be a glamorous model, is the one they really go for. They decide they want to meet these people in person and decide to travel all the way from New York. But once they reach the destination and find out some dark secrets, things become more cumbersome than ever.

A documentary/thriller more effective than others of the genre, the story becomes more intriguing as it goes along and gives us a firm understanding of how online relationships can get way out of hand. Also that one should never truly trust anyone until they have met him or her in person. Viewers who saw the trailer may have been disappointed that no "scares" are found in the actual film, but its content is effective, nevertheless. The genuine reactions the filmmakers have to the outcome of events are perhaps the best part as they were real, not fictional. The title's meaning is explained towards the film's conclusion. One may pick their Facebook friends more carefully after viewing this.