At first glance, it seems like a sweet story. However, like almost everything on the internet, it possibly possesses an evil, nasty, nefarious dark side (that might lead to porn).In this documentary, Nev Schulman, an up-and-coming, young photographer, is living the life in New York City. He just published a photo in a major magazine, and hangs out with his movie director brother, Ariel, and their pal, Henry Joost, like it's an episode of Friends.
After seeing the photo, 8-year old Michigan-based artist Abby paints a portrait of the work, which Nev finds very touching. They become Facebook friends, but Abby has a hottie of a half-sister, Megan, who attracts more of Nev's attention. As Nev and Megan hit it off, Ariel and Henry decide to film the growing and deepening relationship.
Yep, that's where things take a turn for ... you have to see it for yourself.
Recently, the marketing team behind Catfish started to call it a Reality Thriller, and that's the perfect description (I can't believe it! The Hollywood Marketing Gurus got his one right!). Schulman and Joost let the audience engage in the mystery, try to figure out what is motivating Megan, feel the tension as things get a bit weird, and inject a sense of danger that has the audience waiting for something explosive to happen.
Yet, Catfish truly succeeds by having a heart. Sure, we want to see something explosive happen, (at one moment in the film, you get the feeling somebody will come running out of the dark wearing a hockey mask and wielding a chainsaw) but Schulman and Joost also make the audience feel a modicum of sympathy for Megan and her intentions.
Remember, this is real and we're dealing with real people, so do you want to see them in pain? Do you want to see lives shattered? This desire to allow Megan to have even the slightest redemption and the effort put into showing the audience what is happening in her life is what makes Schulman and Joost decent people as well as talented directors.
After seeing the movie, you are going to think twice before accepting the latest Facebook Friend Request, and might want to see Catfish with a bunch of friends, so you can all talk about it afterward.
3 ½ Waffles (Out of 4)
Catfish is rated PG-13 for some sexual references.
Yet, Catfish truly succeeds by having a heart. Sure, we want to see something explosive happen, (at one moment in the film, you get the feeling somebody will come running out of the dark wearing a hockey mask and wielding a chainsaw) but Schulman and Joost also make the audience feel a modicum of sympathy for Megan and her intentions.
Remember, this is real and we're dealing with real people, so do you want to see them in pain? Do you want to see lives shattered? This desire to allow Megan to have even the slightest redemption and the effort put into showing the audience what is happening in her life is what makes Schulman and Joost decent people as well as talented directors.
After seeing the movie, you are going to think twice before accepting the latest Facebook Friend Request, and might want to see Catfish with a bunch of friends, so you can all talk about it afterward.
3 ½ Waffles (Out of 4)
Catfish is rated PG-13 for some sexual references.
