Catfish (2010) – Review

Where to watch Catfish

3 1/2 Stars

Catfish is one of the most compelling, disturbing and ultimately downbeat experiences I’ve had at the movies in quite sometime. This documentary (loosely termed) follows a young good looking New York Photographer as he develops a crush on a woman he met through the social networking site Facebook. Niev is a nice guy taken aback after receiving packages of artwork based on his published photographs begin appearing in the mail. Supposedly these ‘gift’ are sent by an affectionate eight year old painter named Abby, who’s part of a large family that includes a teenage sister named Megan.

Through months of texting and emails Megan and Niev develop a virtual romance. The relationship culminates in a surprise visit to Megan’s farm in the outer regions of Michigan. I wouldn’t dream of divulging the details of Niev’s trip and his findings about this family he’s grown close to. I can say that any viewer not unsettled by the last 30 minutes has never been on a social networking site.

Catfish is a documentary that is extremely topical. The filmmakers have an interesting subject in Niev and deliver a serious thought-provoking documentary that doesn’t judge or cast a joking tone on the mentally disturbed people we meet in the process. It’s a remarkable statement on individuality, deception, and privacy. Catfish will stay with you for days after.

Director: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Stars: Melody C. Roscher, Ariel Schulman, Yaniv Schulman