

Nev, a 24-year-old New York-based photographer, has no idea what he's in for when Abby, an eight-year-old girl from rural Michigan, contacts him on Facebook, seeking permission to paint one of his photographs. When he receives her remarkable painting, Nev begins a friendship and correspondence with Abby's family. But things really get interesting when he develops a cyber-romance with Abby's attractive older sister, Megan, a musician and model. Prompted by some startling revelations about Megan, Nev and his buddies embark on a road trip in search of the truth.
Direction
The Schulman brothers turn personal stake into universal caution
Editing
Tension builds through chat logs and Google Maps stalking
Writing
Unscripted narrative that reshapes documentary ethics

Director
Ariel Schulman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The term 'catfish' entered mainstream usage after this film; Angela's husband Vince coined it in a speech comparing her to cod shipped with catfish to keep them active.