While films such as “Bad Boys” and “Unhinged” occupy the top of this week's Netflix list, a new film has emerged and sparked an interesting discussion online: “Ride or Die” and “Unhinged/Unhinged”. While films like “Ride or Die” and “Unhinged” occupy the top spots on Netflix this week, a new film has entered the ranks and is sparking some interesting discussion online. Currently in eighth place is “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare” (as of October 18), a harrowing documentary about a shocking catfish scam that actually took place over a decade.

Critics have been very divided on the film, with some praising its chilling portrayal of deception and emotional manipulation, and others arguing that the documentary was completely unnecessary. Based on the popular “Sweet Bobby” podcast, the film delves into the true story of Kirat Assi, who was catfished by someone close to her.

Most critics, both for and against, were enamored with the psychological twist that propelled the documentary into the ranks of streaming services. So is “Sweet Bobby” really worth watching, and here's what you need to know about Netflix's latest true-crime documentary.

“Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare” is a documentary that unravels the disturbing and complex true story of Kirat Assi, a woman manipulated and duped in the most shocking catfish scam ever exposed.

For nearly a decade, Kirat was led to believe she was in an online romantic relationship with a successful cardiologist named Bobby, but it turns out that the man behind the profile was someone much closer to home.

The documentary takes viewers on a deeply personal journey with Kirat, revealing how this elaborate and emotionally abusive scheme unfolded. It also explores the broader implications of deception in the digital age while showing the emotional toll it took on her life, relationships, and mental health.

Because “Sweet Bobby” has only recently appeared on Netflix, it has not yet received a Rotten Tomatoes score. However, some early reviews of the documentary have been published, and they are quite mixed, to say the least.

Nakisha Campbell of Pure Wow says: “When I watched this, I experienced a roller coaster of emotions. At certain moments, my heart was racing. And I was genuinely confused. I commend [director] Shannon for presenting the whole story in such a captivating way and, more importantly, for giving Assi the space to be honest about it.”

Leisure Byte's Archi Sengupta, on the other hand, believes the documentary “does justice to the thrills and emotions and creates interest in two people who have never met in real life.”

On the other hand, some critics believe it did not need to be a documentary in the first place. Katie Losinski of The Independent said the documentary is “a solid, delicately crafted introduction to a shocking story. But for the most part, it functions as a feature-length trailer for a more comprehensive and compelling podcast.”

Rosie Fletcher of Den of Geek also agreed that the documentary did not do it justice: “Sweet Bobby: If the standard for a documentary must be to sit in a chair and relive the worst thing that happened to you, then it is hardly a good statement of the art form.”

So, should “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare” be available on Netflix? If you're a fan of true-life documentaries that delve into complex emotions and twisted relationships, this one might be worth your time.

Some critics say the podcast captures the story better, while others say the documentary adds just the right amount of emotional depth to an already chilling narrative. It may not be a groundbreaking format, but for those who prefer to watch rather than listen, this visualization brings the shocking events to life.

Not for you; check out Netflix's best documentaries. If you need something a little lighter for the weekend, check out Netflix's guide to the best comedy movies.

Streaming “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare” on Netflix.