Genre: Documentary
Director: Lyttanya Shannon
Streaming on Netflix: 16th October 2024
It is yet another day and yet another true crime documentary to dive into. This time, Netflix is shedding light on a chilling case of catfishing with its latest release, Sweet Bobby. Adapted from the highly acclaimed podcast series by Tortoise Media, which garnered widespread attention after its debut in 2021, Sweet Bobby unravels the shocking true story of Kirat. Her life turns dark and unexpectedly after she strikes up a connection on Facebook with someone she believes to be a mutual acquaintance. However, as the story unfolds, the truth behind the online relationship is far more sinister than she could ever have imagined.
The documentary is executive produced by Rebecca North, known for her work on Netflix’s true crime documentary American Nightmare. Raw produced it, the same production company behind The Tinder Swindler. In Sweet Bobby, an online friendship that seemed innocent and blossomed into a deep romance takes a dark turn, leaving Kirat to play the role of detective in her own life as she unravels the mystery surrounding her enigmatic fiancé, Bobby. Based on the popular podcast, this gripping tale explores how what seemed like a fairytale love story spiralled into a shocking nightmare.
Kirat initially connected with someone named “Bobby” on Facebook, believing they shared mutual friends within London’s Sikh community. Over nine years, a casual online friendship gradually deepened, eventually developing into a romantic relationship. However, the relationship turned dark as Bobby’s behaviour became increasingly controlling. This led to Kirat experiencing significant emotional distress, to the point where she had to take leave from work due to stress. All the while, she believed Bobby was living in Australia. But later, Kirat uncovered a shocking truth: although the Facebook profile was based on a natural person, he wasn’t communicating with her.
The story of Sweet Bobby is one of the most intricate and prolonged cases of catfishing ever recorded. It is a powerful reminder of the risks and hazards of online dating, which has become the most prevalent way for people to meet romantic partners in today’s digital age.
Sweet Bobby works better as a podcast because it needs more visual depth to make it engaging as a documentary. The overuse of reconstructions often feels artificial, detracting from the authenticity of the events. These dramatisations can make the story feel less convincing, creating a disconnect between what truly happened and how it’s presented on screen. You may sometimes question Kirat’s persistence in maintaining a nearly decade-long relationship with someone she never met, adding to the frustration with the story’s unfolding. While the documentary may appeal to viewers unfamiliar with the podcast, it heavily relies on full-screen displays of Facebook messages and audio recordings, which can feel repetitive and disengaging, potentially leaving the audience with a sense of boredom rather than intrigue.
Overall: 6/10
Movie Reviewer
