Film: Catfish
Cast includes: Yaniv Schulman as himself
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Genre: Documantary (2010)
In brief: “Do you want to be the subject of this documentary or not?” “No. I don’t,” Nev tells his brother. Nev has agreed to be in a documentary about Abby, an 8-year-old child prodigy painter he “friended” on Facebook. Rel and his friend, Henry, have college degrees and a little filmmaking experience. They have convinced Rel’s brother, Nev, to be in their documentary. Through Facebook, Nev has started online relationships with both Abby and Abby’s mom, Angela. Abby has done several paintings from photographs for Nev. It seems that she has a cult following and some of her paintings have sold for as much as $7,000. It seems like a promising topic for a documentary... yes?
The documentary takes a different turn when Nev also befriends Abby’s older sister, Megan, on Facebook. Before long Nev and Megan start a phone relationship, often talking about meeting each other someday. “I really care about this girl.” But Megan lives in Michigan and Nev lives in New York City. Megan sends songs she’s recorded and photos of herself. She even combines his photo with one of hers and calls it “Someday.jpg.” Nev, Rel and Henry decide that they have to follow through on Megan’s invitation. But before they get to Michigan, they notice some things that seem fishy. When they start digging, they find more things that don’t quite make sense. Nev doesn’t know what to think… the whole family always seemed so nice. But the deceptions are “definitely creepy.”
The filmmakers ask us not to reveal what happens in the last half of the movie, and I wouldn’t, anyway. But in the interest of not setting unrealistic expectations, I’ll tell you it’s not a Blare Witch Project. You won’t be scared witless, but you might be uncomfortable. Catfish is a fascinating look at an online relationship that takes an unexpected turn. Catfish is both highly amateurish and well crafted… at the same time. Unlike most documentaries, the two filmmakers are often in the film. There are many scenes when Nev and his brother disagree about the film. But that said, the filmmakers do know a thing or two about keeping our interest. It’s easy to become involved in this story. In no time, we feel like Nev is taking us along on his adventure. Where it goes… I’m not telling.
3 popped kernels
An interesting story… well told
Popcorn Profile
Primary Audience: Young adults
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream limited release
Mood: Neither upbeat nor somber
Tempo: Cruses comfortably
Visual Style: Amateur video
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
