¨Unknown Number: ¨The HighSchool Catfish¨ is a documentary streaming on Netflix that explores the dangers of online deception and how predators can trick teenagers through fake profiles, or in this case fake numbers. The filmmaker, Sky Borgman, tells a real-life story of a high school student who falls victim to a person pretending to be someone they are not.

This documentary features interviews with the victims at the center of the story, their family members, and ranges of different experts including law enforcement officials, principles, and psychologists. These insights help to unpack the complex psychology behind catfishing, revealing how predators create convincing fake profiles to manipulate their victim over time.  What really stands out in this documentary is not only the lies and deception, but about the broken trust and the lasting damage that can happen. 

As a high school student myself, this documentary feels especially relevant because so many of us use social media every day. It makes you think twice about who you’re talking to and the importance of being careful with personal information. It also encourages open communication with friends, family, and school counselors if someone feels uncomfortable. 

Borgman’s filming style keeps viewers engaged by incorporating social media evidence such as, Snapchat interactions, Instagram posts, and Facebook posts, enhancing validity. Also by featuring genuine reactions from those involved making this story feel personal. The pacing is well done, slowly revealing the full scope of the catfishing scheme and its effects on the school community.