"Catfish" Brings to Life the Fears We Quiet When Meeting Someone Online

            “I was so gullible. I’m so embarrassed.” Catfish is a genuine documentary where a guy falls for a girl online, but as the film progresses, the web of lies surrounding these Facebook profiles unravel. While following one heartwarming story, we come across another’s attempt in escaping from reality, but like any risks, there’s bound to be some casualties. This movie portrays raw human emotions, depicts the struggle in dating in today’s modern times, and the basic human longing to connect with another human being. Catfish proves that real life surpasses fiction at any given time.

            A scene in particular shows Nev, a New York based photographer, talking to a girl he’s never met before in person on the phone, giggling and blushing. 

            Nev thinks he’s found the girl of his dreams, starts to envisions a future with her, but as he goes after her, he uncovers one lie after another. The movie touches a relevant subject, online dating. This documentary shows real people testifying about a true first-world-nightmare, showing up to a date you made online, and realizing he/she sent a REALLY old picture. 

            Nev mentions at the beginning of the documentary that he doesn’t believe in long distance relationships. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone, and he is definitely not going to get hurt, he says. Yet, he pursues a conversation with a girl who laughs at his awkward jokes, somebody that not only gives him butterflies, but he gives butterflies to as well. We want her to be real, we want him to be happy, but life is a sick screenwriter. 

           This project deserves respect for coming into fruition. This contemporary classic includes honest human reactions captured in modern digital filmmaking. Taking a step back and seeing it as a filmmaker, you realize how much work went into this. Catfish was shot by two filmmakers documenting an ordinary guy forming an online friendship with an eight year old artist, yet the story grows into much more, and they knew how to capture it perfectly on a budget. At first the story may seem dull, but the scenery, style of shooting, and editing pull you in. The time invested into this project is evident. Catfish is so well edited that it guides your feelings, subtly and successfully.  Like documentaries, or a good thriller? Check “Catfish” out! Please don’t condemn it because it’s now a show on MTV. 

Check it out and lemme’ know what you think at the comment section below!