Reviewed by Daniel Rutledge
The internet’s huge effect on human communication and relationships is a truly fascinating recent phenomenon.
Many documentaries have been produced looking at this topic in various ways and Talhotblond is a remarkable and troubling new example.
It’s the true story of a chat room relationship struck up between a family man in his 40s (posing as a 20-year-old marine) and a teenage girl (calling herself 'Tallhotblond'). The relationship ends in a cold-blooded murder.
To give away more would be to spoil, but know that this really is a shocking look at just how dangerous lies and fantasy online can be, in a way that will be disturbingly familiar to anyone who has ever used a chat room.
There’s one narrative decision the filmmakers made which I wish they didn’t. Basically, parts of the film are narrated by a voice announcing itself as the murdered victim. They go so far as to make assumptions on what the deceased thought of events that happened after their death.
Due to their family’s involvement with the film I’m sure they would have consented to this, but it was a very questionable, unnecessary and slightly distracting addition to the film.
That’s the only aspect of it I didn’t like, however.
Talhotblond a shocking and fascinating story, told generally very well.
Four stars.
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This film is playing as part of the Documentary Edge
Festival.
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