Clickbait (2021) User Reviews

Great whodunnit until the final episode

[peeps_ahoy · 7/10 · 27 August 2021]

This is certainly an odd one. I binged this in one day, because it genuinely is that addictive. It's unique and shows all the characters' flaws and strengths. (For example, a lot of people complain about the sister, Pia, but I honestly liked her for the most part because I have an unfortunately similar demeanor, but because of it could see how she was not the type to drop the case and move on or at least calm down, like so many told her to.) But some characters are indeed annoying depending on how you feel you would handle the circumstances, essentially.

However, there are flaws.

Teens and young adults are apparently able to dig more info more quickly than detectives in this most of the time. The season could have ended after episode 2 or 3 if a certain character had been honest about a lie told for no reason. Literally no reason. And secondly, if IP addresses were examined as soon as info on that matter came to light.

Finally, I felt extremely let down by the final episode. The culprit is a bizarre choice with an incredibly flimsy motive the entire way. After 7 episodes of being extremely invested in the characters and examining their interactions, the 8th and final episode felt like I may have just wasted the past 8 hours. It also feels rushed.

It's good, and there's a ton of red herrings as others have said to amp up the mystery. But the ending really is... lackluster. There are other twists they could have chosen that would have been much better quality viewing even if they were more potentially predictable. I can't really address my gripes fully without spoiling, though, so just be warned that you too may not find that the conclusion does the series justice. But it truly IS a very entertaining watch.

Why is every adolescent a better detective than actual professionals?

[saudaminikulkarni · 7/10 · 7 September 2021]

A seemingly perfect husband is video taped holding a sign claiming he's a murderer . Everyone is super quick to believe it, but there's more to the story than meets the eye. I think keeping it a mini series was a smart decision . The pacing is quick, there are no unnecessary romantic story lines and the acting is fairly believable. Very watchable!

DIDN'T EXPECT THE ENDING.

[andrewchristianjr · 8/10 · 30 August 2021]

It was actually quite depressing the whole time, but I was still invested in the story. I really enjoyed everyone's acting, I thought it was a highlight of the show. I think the concept is interesting, but I feel like they should have titled it something else, though they might have spoiled it. The show starts out as one thing, and in the end is so different than what we thought at the beginning. I will give them an A for plot twists!! I thought I had guessed the mystery way back in episode two, and I almost thought I was going to be confirmed right, but was proven wrong and it went somewhere I never thought of!

Great first 7 episodes

[kborden-36743 · 6/10 · 7 September 2021]

The first 7 episodes out of this 8 episode series were honestly pretty good and kept me interested throughout with different twists and turns that took place. Episode 8 however is where things took a turn for the worse. The final twist in the plot that is revealed in episode 8 was totally off the wall crazy and not in a good way. I think the writers wanted to give the audience something that wouldn't be guessed maybe? But it just didn't play well at all with the where the story had gone and really ruined what could have been a great show from start to finish.

It may have been more basic, but I think it made more sense with where the story had gone to make Matt the person behind the catfishing and ultimately the one who killed Nick. But that's just me I guess.

Who's doing the rating these days ?

[estesangelica · 9/10 · 26 August 2021]

Okay so i'm starting to get a little bit confused by some of the reviews here, I just finished the show and it was really good... Obviously it's a Netflix series, so we're not looking for award-winning TV here... But it definitely kept my attention, some episodes I was on the edge of my seat, and as someone who watches a lot of TV and movies I was actually kind of surprised at the end. I'm usually the person that can figure out a twist in the first 15 minutes, this was not the case with this one! Give it a chance you won't regret it.

Clickbait indeed

[kasserlannister · 6/10 · 29 August 2021]

It should have ended with Matt as the culprit. I loved all the plot twists but the final one wasn't it.

Perspective and truth

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 26 August 2021]

This is really well made and tells a story, that does begin with one thing and turns out to be something else entirely. At first you kind of think and feel this being a Saw style show. Of course with someone in peril and the public being the judge of that said person ... what would you do? Now I know that I might try a few things differently, but overall the suspense and everything happening seems legit.

Every episode will show happenings mostly from one perspective ... while further developing the story. Sometimes going into the past just to come back to the present. There are many twists and turns all around and I would say they work out quite well. There is one thing that we see during the final episode (which depicts the "past" as in happened during other episodes that were prior to this), that does not sit well with me. A decision by one major character, that can only be called ... fatal and not very bright. First places to go after something happened to you and all that ... you'll figure it out.

Apart from that, the acting is really good and all the twists and turns work. Even the final one as I would call it. You may feel it is weak, which is fair enough, but it does make sense in the overall context of things. Well told and well edited, you get suspense from start to finish ... not to mention many different emotions.

Last Episode

[danielcereto · 7/10 · 29 August 2021]

Even the series is interesting, the conclusion ruins a little bit the great work. It is because of the lack of credibility if you think about it.

There are several important plot holes with no explanations. To add, no answers to critical issues and characters. Why their behavior / actions?

So, overall a great idea and execution, except for the last episode. A bit unbelievable conclusion.

Even of that, it's an good show/entertainment.

Absolutely loved it!

[miajanekelly · 9/10 · 26 August 2021]

I just finished and about halfway through I was convinced I had it all worked out. I was certain. And I was absolutely wrong! The story very cleverly throws in a bunch of red herrings while concealing the truth. Trust me, you won't see the ending coming at all. A great cast of actors, I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Pia and of Roshad Amiri. All around just a really good show that you won't be able to stop once you've started it.

Most gripping- Poorly made show.

[eldreddsouza · 6/10 · 17 September 2021]

Despite there being a million plot holes and bad acting, this show is still quite gripping. Yes the actors' performances are average at best and also yes some of the characters are stupid as sh! T and the others too annoying. Yet at the end of every episode you're like what's next. The writing may not be neat, but it leaves you curious at the end of each episode. For me the series started off well with the first episode being about the Sister, then came the second episode that of the detective which was bad bad bad. The next few episodes were decent and the third last episode very good. This show is worth watching for the 6th episode itself imo. Even the penultimate episode is good. But then as you may have guessed already the final episode is _____.

This is really that kind of show that is not very well made but will still hook you. It's worth a watch. But be careful and don't get your hopes too high. I give it a 6/10.

Compulsive Viewing

[lisa-oreilly74 · 9/10 · 26 August 2021]

I took me 1 day to finish this, it was really well done. I thought i'd guessed it in ep 7 but found out i was wrong. Love it when that happens!

Really good viewing and well worth a watch, keeps you guessing till the very end and its so apt for this society.

You can never believe what you see online, theres ways and means around everything these days.

Really great show.

Good start, poor ending

[thefijispider · 7/10 · 11 September 2021]

Decent series. Good acting. Loved how they kept the family theming going through the series. Zoe and Betty are excellent throughout. 7 episodes fly by, till you get to the last and scratch your head. There were much better motives. Last episode is called "The Answer". I had more questions than answers watching the last episode.

It doesn't count as a plot twist when the murderer hasn't got a single scene until the final episode.

[wade_onur3 · 1/10 · 23 September 2021]

No one will probably see it but I am writing my first imdb review as a 10+ year lurker. That's how pissed I am at this absolute muppet show.

The story only became interesting because guess what, there is not a single smart person in the entire plot. Are the characters even thinking in this show? The mystery should have been solved in Episode 3 but it takes a turn because a character decides to live in her imaginary world and makes up lies with ABSOLUTELY NO MOTIVE. Then one character has something important to say to the victim's sister in the funeral, but she can't for some reason, and she never tries to reach her out again, and instead gives out the information to a journalist. The journalist is so brave he can enter people's homes for the sake of his job. I won't even get started on the fact that everyone being true detectives in this show, except, well the actual detectives. The idiotesque goes on and on in this show, and I couldn't count how many times a character takes an action that makes no sense.

And that final episode... I couldn't believe my eyes. It was so bad I watched it in 2x playback speed to end my suffering faster. I would prefer a final episode where all this was a nightmare of Pia and they live happily ever after she wakes up. You know what? IT DOESN'T COUNT AS A PLOT TWIST WHEN THE MURDERER HASN'T APPEARED IN THE SERIES UNTIL THE FINAL EPISODE.

I hope 1 person reads this review and decides not to watch this series. I just want to save 1 person's 8 hours, cause I lost mine.

Started promising but descended into mundane

[jmbovan-47-160173 · 6/10 · 7 September 2021]

A man is kidnapped and a video on line says he is an abuser of women and has killed one. At 5 million views, he dies. We start at this beginning, and each episode shuffles back and forth in time. And each episode shows from a different person's perspective, Rashomon style. Each episode goes deeper into the mystery uncovering more secrets. The main problem is that as it gets deeper into the story, the more outrageous the plot points become. And the final real answer is the biggest of let downs in recent trlevision. Add in some really annoying characters, this becomes a copy of any Harlan Coben mystery on Netflix.

A story with a lots of twists

[shourobhh · 10/10 · 26 August 2021]

At first, I thought it was a common dark web creepy kind of stuff but each episode passing by and the story becomes interesting to me. So many twists, with a good massage. And this kind of story is new to me. I can nitpick some stuff but I decided to ignore those, I really liked the story, that's why came here to review I liked how they ended the story in one season. Must watch.

NOT CRAZY ABOUT ENDING !!

[jennfinn · 7/10 · 20 September 2021]

I can usually spot a twist coming a mile away which is why I stopped reading mysteries. Clickbait completely surprised me. I never would've guessed the ending and I'm not convinced that's a good thing.

From the get go I had Matt pegged as the bad guy, he was shifty and definitely seemed to be hiding something. I can certainly appreciate the writers wanting viewers to think he was the bad guy but then revealing someone different. But if you're going to do that at least make it believable and not completely absurd.

Zoe Kazan looks horrible in this, I'm not sure if it's the terrible wig they had her wearing, the awful clothes, or the constant close ups of her face. The actress who played Sophie was a complete robot who changed expressions maybe once throughout all eight episodes.

Phoenix Raei (awesome name) as Detective Roshan Amiri, Camaron Engels as Ethan, and Abraham Lin as reporter Ben Park were the shining stars of the series. Kai (Jaylin Fletcher) was one of the most annoying characters I've seen in a while although I do enjoy Jaylin on Snowpiercer. Also I'm looking forward to seeing Abraham Lin in season two of The Boys.

I'm all for surprise endings but I prefer them to at least make a little bit of sense.

It surprised me!

[vasilki-0001 · 8/10 · 27 August 2021]

I've watched a lot of crime TV with my mom and can usually peg the actual murderer very quickly, but this series did leave me surprised at several points! The ending some would consider a stretch but I personally think it worked. Overall, I enjoyed how the series focused each episode on a different character (if you don't like the character that's the focus of Episode 1, give it until episode 2!) and it really left me wanting to see what came next and which character deep-dive they would do next.

Ultimately, it was enjoyable and I believe it was well-acted. The characters really grew on me, and I became pretty emotionally invested midway through the show. I think it's worth a shot to anyone who enjoys a "whodunnit"!

Quite entertaining but not credible

[gabrielnaat · 6/10 · 25 August 2021]

The show is interesting enough to follow through. The plot is ok. But the characters aren't especially likeable (the neurotic sister is the Worst) and they aren't credible. Both reactions and responses are often weird - like the writers have poor social skills and lack of feeling for the real world. The Cop for example is behaving like a social worker. And others are like "why are you running away? Because i Wanted to talk. Do'h! People are often behaveing like they are from Mars. Its watchable - No less No more.

Went a little far trying to make the twists

[dashingmusic · 8/10 · 25 August 2021]

I watched all 8 episodes at one go.

Yes I finished them all.

Overall I think it's alright.

There were some twists and turns and some inconsistencies here and there but still it was entertaining to watch. Engaging to want to continue.

The "whodunit" part was a bit far fetched but you judge for yourself if you also finish this all.

One star for one episode. Lol.

Pia is annoying as all get out

[mkelleyftb · 7 August 2022]

The story line of the series was entertaining, but it could have been so much better... Pia was just plain annoying. What's with Netflix script writers having to create their main women characters to be hysterical raging looneys? No one would want to help Pia and her attitude, but Netflix has her Tinder match a detective who is supposedly still interested after experiencing her rage behavior. Yeah right...

The dangers of catfishing

[Kingslaay · 7/10 · 29 August 2021]

I was gripped from the first episode. Quite a captivating show from start to finish. The acting is very good and the situation feels all to real. This could easily happen in reality and sometimes you feel you're watching a doco. I was also taken by surprise by the plot twist in the last episode. I thought I had it figured out. It shows the real dangers of cat fishing, there will be a few gullible people who believe in everything they read and see online without reality to guide them. Online behavior can have some scary consequences.

Some nagging issues I found was the inability to track the website source. Surely in the 21st century a cybercrime unit would be able to do this. Also when Emma Beadsley came for a police interview I found it odd that the photos were never taken from her as tangible evidence. The metadata was obtained by a young teenager. Also when Nick escapes, he somehow in his state manages to know the address of his colleague? I may know roughly where colleagues live but not be able to find their exact address in pitch dark. Also why didn't he go straight to his family or ask to call the cops? All these were plot conveniences and if you can get over this then it makes for a thrilling ride.

Keeps you hooked

[happyjeena · 10/10 · 27 August 2021]

Enjoyable series full of suspense and drama, a nice treat from Netflix. I watch a lot of series and this is something I enjoyed after a very long time. Please ignore the negative reviews, I am glad I ignored and watched it because it's really good. Gave 10 stars to even out harsh and negative reviews but it's definitely atleast an 8.

compelling if manufactured

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 6 September 2021]

Nick Brewer (Adrian Grenier) gets kidnapped and threatened with execution if his internet posting receives five million clicks. His sister Pia (Zoe Kazan) struggles to stop it. He and his wife Sophie (Betty Gabriel) have two teenage sons, Ethan and Kai. Police detective Roshan Amiri (Phoenix Raei) works hard to solve the case despite internal resistance.

This starts with an intriguing if manufactured premise. The first episode has a great drive to find Nick. There is some nice tension even if the movie keeps pushing for an artificial intensity. I generally like Zoe Kazan and Betty Gabriel. After the first episode, the show gets stuck with the media and the two signs. It gets ugly in an unappealing way. Reading the social media can slow down the pacing. It also feels sidetracked with the issue that matters most. There are constant obvious things left unsaid or issues unexamined. It can feel like a grinding march to the next turn or reveal. There is an obvious twist which takes too long and a twist that comes out of the blue. I'm not in love with either. This is an eight episodes limited series which may be better if it could be condensed into a regular movie.

Save Yourself... and Your Time

[johnolsen72 · 3/10 · 15 September 2021]

Betty Gabriel is wasted in this boring series with, quite possibly, the most preposterous ending of all time.

Enjoyed it all,in a single night! -Mini spoiler alert. 📢

[ts-0000 · 26 August 2021]

Had you guessing who was or wasn't involved,sure it wasn't perfect & somewhat clichéd.

Feel the reason they made the majority of characters borderline unlikable to suspicious,was for the mystery element of who killed the husband.

Despite all that,was a refreshing series & worth giving it a watch.

Overall decently cast,acted,with cinematography & music.