Performance & Direction: Catfish Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Catfish (2010) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Catfish features a noteworthy lineup led by Nēv Schulman . Supported by the likes of Ariel Schulman and Angela Wesselman-Pierce , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Catfish (2010) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Catfish
Quick Plot Summary: Catfish is a Documentary film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Catfish
Ending Breakdown: Catfish concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Catfish reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Catfish?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentary films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Catfish
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Catfish Budget
The estimated production budget for Catfish is $30.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Catfish
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Catfish Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeCatfish Parents Guide & Age Rating
2010 AdvisoryWondering about Catfish age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Catfish is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Catfish stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2010 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catfish worth watching?
Catfish is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Catfish parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Catfish identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Catfish?
The total duration of Catfish is 87 minutes, which is approximately 1h 27m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
