The phenomenon of catfishing, where an individual assumes a false identity online to deceive someone emotionally, has captured the public's imagination in recent years.

Yet, few cases can compete with the heart-wrenching saga revealed in Netflix's documentary feature, “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare.”

This documentary shares the story of Kirat Assi, a London-based radio presenter who unknowingly becomes a victim of one of the most shocking catfishing cases you’ll ever hear about.

It explores how her quest for love led her into a web of lies spun by someone she trusted.

The story began in 2009 when Assi received a Facebook friend request from a man named Bobby. He was charming, claiming to be a cardiologist living in West London.

With mutual connections in their Sikh community, their relationship blossoms online, filled with sweet messages and dreams of a future together.

Assi is at a point in her life where she yearns for a family and stability.

Bobby appears to be the perfect match, offering love and companionship. However, despite communicating for a decade, they have never met face-to-face.

Bobby always has an excuse and dramatic situations that prevent him from travelling to see Assi. Even when he claims to be in witness protection after being shot, Assi brushes aside her doubts.

As the documentary unfolds, viewers learn the shocking truth: Bobby is a real person but the person Assi has been chatting with isn’t him but someone in her trusted circle.

This person not only deceived Assi but also manipulated her.

Kirati Assi spent most of her time online, speaking to Bobby. Picture: X

The film skilfully portrays Assi's pain through intimate messages, interviews and heartbreaking family testimonies. Hearing her speak about building her life around Bobby while overlooking the absence of a real-life connection strikes a chord.

The emotional toll of the deception becomes painfully clear as she details her struggles with anxiety, panic attacks and severe weight loss.

Her mother’s instinct about Bobby’s odd voice highlights the red flags that were not heeded.

What makes “Sweet Bobby” compelling is not just the story itself but also the broader conversation it ignites about accountability in our digital lives. Assi's plea for recognition of the harm caused by online deception resonates deeply.

“I’m not looking for sympathy,” she says. “I’m looking for people to say this is wrong, we need to be making people accountable.”