‘Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare’ Netflix Review - Delving into the Truth

In 2011, radio presenter Kirat Assi’s life took a shocking turn when an innocent night out in Brighton became the first hint of a nightmare. She spotted someone familiar across the dance floor—Dr Bobby, a doctor she had been messaging on Facebook for two years. But when she confidently approached him, excited to meet him in person finally, Bobby looked completely puzzled, as though he had never seen her before. It was a moment that should have been the end of her interaction with him, but instead, it marked the beginning of a chilling and deeply traumatic catfishing scheme.

Netflix’s “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare”, based on Tortoise Media’s podcast, dives into this extraordinary and harrowing tale. The documentary paints a gripping picture of deception, exploring how one woman’s life was derailed by a malicious online hoax. Kirat, the protagonist, narrates much of the story herself, providing viewers with an intimate look into the emotional devastation caused by the complex web of lies spun around her.

Kirat’s warmth and charisma come through as she shares her side of the story, making it all the more gut-wrenching to witness her gradual unraveling. The “relationship” she thought she had with Bobby slowly turned from affectionate exchanges into manipulative, controlling behavior. The documentary expertly captures how "Bobby" became an omnipresent figure in her life, sending relentless accusatory messages that eroded her confidence and trapped her in a vortex of emotional abuse. The toll on her mental health is palpable, and the audience can’t help but feel the growing tension and dread.

But it wasn’t just Kirat who suffered; the documentary also brings in the real-life Bobby, whose identity was stolen to create this elaborate persona. His contributions, along with those from Kirat’s family, reveal the far-reaching impact of the scam. Kirat’s aunt, in a particularly poignant moment, describes how the online deception took over every aspect of Kirat’s life, saying, “It was a total takeover.” The emotional cost is evident, especially when Kirat recounts the heartbreaking hope she held of one day having children with this digital ghost.

One of the documentary’s strengths lies in its ability to highlight red flags that seem glaring in hindsight without veering into victim-blaming. With empathy and careful consideration, the film avoids diminishing Kirat's trauma, choosing instead to illuminate how intelligent, well-meaning individuals can be lured into such toxic situations. It raises essential questions about trust, vulnerability, and the dangers of online relationships while never losing sight of the human suffering at the center of the story.

“Sweet Bobby” is a haunting exploration of the darker side of the internet, where even the closest relationships can be manipulated and warped beyond recognition. Through Kirat’s harrowing journey, the documentary serves as a sobering reminder of the emotional and psychological damage that catfishing can inflict. It's a cautionary tale that grips viewers from the first minute and leaves them questioning how much we can really trust the people we meet online.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times