Thank God for the Catfish

Heed the tagline. Don't let anyone tell you what it is.

I solemnly swear that all mind-vomit in this post has been edited down to strictly spoiler-free content (except for the part where Snape kills Dumbledore). Then again, if you're one of those people who insist on stalking IMDB or Wikipedia before investing time in a movie you'll probably still enjoy it. The "twist" they advertise can be seen from a mile away and it's still difficult to prepare for how emotionally affecting it's going to be. Here, have a trailer: 

Despite what those clips might lead you to believe, the film relies on a lot more than suspense to keep your attention. I think what makes this documentary particularly compelling is its execution and its sincerity. Somehow they've managed to capture our generation's intimate and unbelievably complex relationship with technology. From dissecting the hyperrealistic nature of our online interactions to exposing how the internet has become a fundamental tool in the way we conceptualize and define what's real. Seriously, this film is like an American Beauty for Millennials. And hands down, the best part is that they don't even openly discuss it. I'm a big fan of subtlety; I tend to appreciate movies more when they develop a theme or message without addressing it in a long preachy monologue. 

Of course, following in the footsteps of every mindfuckumentary ever been made, the first and most pressing question on everyone's mind remains, "Wait, so was that actually real?" Let me answer your question with another question, "Does it fucking matter?"  If this film is fake -- as in, staged or scripted, contrived-- the the writers are brilliant. If it's real? It is the single most unsettling thing I've seen in quite a while. So whether you like your cinema verite or PoMo, I submit Catfish as a masterpiece.

Plus, after you finish watching, dear reader, we should chat about it! Like how movie itself is a ******* (meta as shit, yea?). And how ******* ***** it is that the ****** ****** was ******. Also, confession: I can actually relate to that. I've **** * **** ******* used to ***** ********** *****. But that's a whole 'nother story.
See? No spoilers. I promised.