The Most Popular Movie on Netflix Right Now: A Captivating Catfishing Documentary That Has Me Hooked
High school is often viewed as one of life’s most challenging phases — amidst the turmoil of hormones and social cliques, few have encountered the chilling events chronicled in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, a recent Netflix documentary detailing a cyberbullying episode that escalated dramatically.
The Watch With Us team explains why this darkly captivating documentary, which at times resembles a horror film, is a must-watch this September 2025 — read on for more insights below.
‘Unknown Number’ Features One of the Most Startling Twists in Documentary History
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish centers on two teens — Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend, Owen McKenny — who started receiving threatening messages from a mysterious number in 2020. One of the initial messages sent to Lauryn read, “Hi Lauryn, Owen is breaking up with you,” followed closely by another that stated, “He hasn’t liked you for a while. It’s clear he wants me.”
The harassment persisted over two years, drawing in local law enforcement and even the FBI — ultimately leading to the revelation of the perpetrator. While we won’t divulge the shocking twist, the outcome is both startling and profoundly troubling.
It Sparks Heated Discussions
If you enjoy diving into the latest pop culture debates, you won’t want to miss Unknown Number. Discussions are swirling online, with some viewing it as a brilliant examination of a twisted tale, while others deem it exploitative and misguided.
To paraphrase a famous line from Brokeback Mountain, “I wish I knew how to quit you, Netflix.” The streaming service continues to make it challenging to cancel my ad-free subscription, consistently delivering high-quality programming month after month. September seems poised to be the best month yet in 2025, with new shows like […]
If you want to keep track of controversial films, Unknown Number is a title to add to your list to share your insights. Do you believe it’s appropriate to adapt such a personal story involving minors into a Netflix documentary?
‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish’ Highlights Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a significant issue within American schools, as a national survey indicates that 21% of school-aged children are affected annually. This documentary powerfully depicts the severe effects that such cyberbullying can have on the mental health of adolescents.
Lauryn was just 13 when the harassment began, and the ordeal was immensely traumatizing. Furthermore, the investigation — which scrutinized Lauryn and Owen’s friends and classmates — caused rifts in the community and damaged relationships.
Director Skye Borgman stated to Netflix that Lauryn and her classmates were eager to share their experiences with the documentary team to raise awareness about this issue. “They hoped to contribute to a better world,” Borgman (also known for the recent Biggest Loser doc Fit for TV) mentioned. “I commend these kids for their willingness to tackle tough topics by sharing their story and assisting others facing similar challenges.”
While Lauryn and Owen’s situation is extreme, Borgman explains that Unknown Number offers crucial lessons for parents about cyberbullying: “It’s vital to listen to your kids, recognize the risks present, and empower them to make informed decisions.”
