Netflix’s adaptation of the real-life story of a woman 'catfished' by someone she least expected is a perfect weekend watch for fans of true crime and internet horror stories. Originally an episode of the BBC’s Tortoise Investigates podcast series in 2021, Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare was acquired by Netflix and adapted into a documentary by Raw, the production company behind recognisable titles The Tinder Swindler and Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer.
Released in 2024, the story unfolds through the perspective of British radio presenter Kirat Assi, who spent a decade trapped in an almost unbelievable web of lies, fake identities, and suspicious coincidences. Unlike its better-known sibling, The Tinder Swindler, in which the main “villain” is the central focus with his story built from the start, Sweet Bobby doesn’t follow a clear formula, instead building itself up to a massive plot twist.
The timeline follows Kirat’s journey as she meets “Bobby” on Facebook, believing she has found the love of her life. Over the years, their long-distance relationship is marked by highs and lows, with Bobby’s controlling but evasive behavior essentially trapping Kirat - despite his clear refusal to meet in person or show his face on camera.
Some frustrating key moments are reenacted and recounted by Kirat, such as when she ends up meeting (or stalking) the man whose identity has been stolen by her catfish. Believing him to be the person she’s connected with for the past decade, Kirat confronts him at his doorstep, in front of his wife and newborn baby.
