UNKNOWN NUMBER: THE HIGH SCHOOL CATFISH

Unknown Number: The Highschool Catfish (2025)

Directed by: Skye Borgman

Based on a true story, a catfisher sends thousands of messages to kids, telling them to kill or harm themselves. Then when got caught, the catfisher said…

“You guys think that I’m crazy…”

The director replied NO, allowing the perpetrator to compare diabolical acts to reckless driving. The answers are manipulative, sensationalized and gaslighted, while the interviewer fails to make valid and satisfying counter-arguments.

The ending feels like a camp teenage revenge drama—instead of leaning towards real families that were torn apart because of this situation. There’s no follow-up with the victims in terms of their mental health and psychological evaluation.

Displaying contact information at the credits isn’t enough. This documentary could’ve done better by having a more empathetic storytelling and stronger call-to-action.

They heavily invest on suspense and curiosity—which really work in getting your attention. The rotation among different suspects seems convincing because possible motives have been shared.

The editor deserves credit for seamlessly incorporating thousands of messages without making the visuals feel text-heavy. Profile faces and nametags consistently popping up are helpful to easily get acquainted with all of them.

The timely insertion of actual footages enhances the narrative, adding weight and authencity to this unbelievable situation.

Overall, the documentary still effectively summarizes a hefty complex case for mass consumption—presenting it in a way that's engaging and accessible to the viewers.

What was once unknown can now be streamed in 94 minutes or less.

𝑼𝑵𝑲𝑵𝑶𝑾𝑵 𝑵𝑼𝑴𝑩𝑬𝑹:

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑺𝑪𝑯𝑶𝑶𝑳 𝑪𝑨𝑻𝑭𝑰𝑺𝑯

Edited by: Hans Ole Eicker

Presented by: Campfire Studios, Terminal B Television

Release Date: August 29, 2025 on Netflix

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews