The tagline for this remarkable documentary-thriller is "Don't let anyone tell you what it is." The command is an appropriate one, because this taut exploration of the internet is a unique and powerful experience. Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost began filming the life of Ariel's brother, Yaniv "Nev" Schulman, after Nev began an interesting Facebook relationship with a family, eventually focusing in on his blossoming love interest for young Megan Faccio. However, when strange occurrences begin popping up, the three friends decide to investigate the truth.It's hard to write a review about Catfish, because the film's final 45 minutes carry numerous twists, along with intense weight and emotion. Just be aware that as the story begins to unspool, the truths revealed become a jaw-dropping look at suspense and human deception. The entire film succeeds because Nev is so unbelievable likable as the central, grounding "character"; you'll leave the movie theater thinking he's your own friend. Nev is effortlessly charming, goofy, and amiable.
Catfish is so profound because it pushes the boundary between fiction and reality - is this a true documentary? Are any of the moments portrayed fabricated? Does it even matter? The film is a roller-coaster of emotions, and is bound to spark endless debate; audiences have a lot to chew on, from the definition of a documentary to the terrifying nature of our obsession with and trust in strangers on the internet. Catfish makes for a riveting portrait of a man not knowing which way is up. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will haunt you for days. But above all, it will make you appreciate the art form (maybe the "art form"?) of the documentary. B+
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