Review: Catfish (2010)

Much like the trailer claims, documentary filmmakers Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman's Catfish isn't based upon real characters or inspired by true events, it is simply true. In 2007, filmmakers Henry and Ariel noticed an online romance story evolving in the life of Ariel's brother Nev, and decided to document it on camera. Having only met on Facebook, Nev was eager to acquaint this charming young gal in person-- eager until he began to suspect that she was not being entirely honest. Claiming to have an art gallery- that upon investigation- Nev discovers doesn't exist, taking credit for songs allegedly performed in her own home- leading Nev to discover their existence on Youtube by professional musicians- leads Nev into a state of suspicion. Intrigued and confused, Nev and his brother's crew set out to surprise this deceiving online swinger. What is waiting for them can only be revealed by viewing this on-camera adventure. Catfish is a fine example of real stories being stranger than fiction. Anyone can make up a fictitious plot, but to see bizarre events unfold in a real individual's life is much more capturing. After viewing Catfish, one may reflect and assert that the thrill of the hunt was more exciting than what was waiting behind door number three. The excitement of the unknown may not meet up with the realism that awaits these young gentlemen- but it will certainly not disappoint. The first 45 minutes of the film are intense enough to dampen your pants, whereas the final 45 minutes are emotional and real enough to leave you petrified for hours. As the poster suggests: "Don't let anyone tell you what it is". Catfish is an astonishing display of low-budget filmmaking- earning it a very solid 4 stars.