Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist (2022)

Review Team

4/5

Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist is a gripping documentary that dives deep into the harrowing tale of Manti Te'o, a college football star whose promising career was marred by a catfishing scandal. Directed by Ryan Duffy, the film effectively combines interviews, archival footage, and emotiona ... Show more >> Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist is a gripping documentary that dives deep into the harrowing tale of Manti Te'o, a college football star whose promising career was marred by a catfishing scandal. Directed by Ryan Duffy, the film effectively combines interviews, archival footage, and emotional storytelling to portray Te'o's journey. The narrative is well-structured, allowing viewers to appreciate the complexities of his situation and the societal pressures he faced. Te'o's vulnerability and resilience are palpable, making it a compelling watch for both sports fans and those interested in the darker side of online relationships. However, the pacing occasionally falters, leaving some viewers wanting more depth in certain areas. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking exploration of truth and deception in the digital age. Show less

Editor Team

3/5

While Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist has its moments, it sometimes feels like it misses the mark. The documentary tackles an intriguing subject—Manti Te'o's catfishing saga—but it doesn't fully capture the emotional weight of the situation. At times, it feels more like a retelling of events ... Show more >> While Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist has its moments, it sometimes feels like it misses the mark. The documentary tackles an intriguing subject—Manti Te'o's catfishing saga—but it doesn't fully capture the emotional weight of the situation. At times, it feels more like a retelling of events rather than a deep dive into the implications of such a betrayal. The interviews are compelling, yet the film could have benefited from a more critical lens on the media's role in sensationalising the story. Ryan Duffy's direction is competent, but the film lacks a certain flair that would have made it truly memorable. If you're curious about the scandal, it's worth a watch, but don't expect a deeply engaging experience. Show less