Netflix true crime doc sparks debate as viewers lack 'sympathy' for victim

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, originally a 2021 episode of the BBC's Tortoise Investigates podcast series, was acquired by Netflix and transformed into a documentary by Raw, the production company behind well-known titles such as The Tinder Swindler and Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer.

Launched in 2024, the narrative unravels from the viewpoint of British radio presenter Kirat Assi, who spent ten years ensnared in a web of deceit, 'false' identities, and dubious coincidences.

Unlike its more famous counterpart, The Tinder Swindler, where the main "villain" is the central focus from the outset, Sweet Bobby doesn't adhere to a clear formula, instead building up to a significant plot twist.

The timeline traces Kirat's journey as she encounters "Bobby" on Facebook, convinced she has discovered her soulmate. Their long-distance relationship over the years is characterised by peaks and troughs, with Bobby's controlling yet elusive behaviour effectively entrapping Kirat - despite his outright refusal to meet face-to-face or reveal his face on camera, reports the Mirror.