An elaborate fiction online, now on DVD

Since the release of “The Social Network” (and long before it), people have been musing about the impact of Facebook on society.

“Catfish” makes an interesting companion to that film. This (possible) documentary explores the consequences of an identity created online.

The film, directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, begins almost as a side project. With Ariel’s brother Yaniv (Nev), the group films and photographs dancers.

When Nev receives a painting based on one of his photographs in the mail, he starts up a correspondence with the 8-year-old girl who painted it and her family.

Eventually, he has some form of Internet relationship with the girl’s older sister.

Throughout time, Nev notices inconsistencies in his contacts with the family.

While travelling to shoot a dance film nearby, Nev and friends show up unannounced to meet the family.

He then discovers that he has been participating in an elaborate fiction.

The conclusion of this film is sad, even heartbreaking at times. Without revealing all the details, I can say that the final meeting destroys an elaborate fantasy world.

“Catfish” may be both painful and exploitative at times, but it’s ultimately necessary.