The Tinder Swindler is a unique Netflix documentary directed by Felicity Morris. The film, which is based on true events, is about a con man who preys on his victims through Tinder’s dating app. Under the guise of a billionaire’s son, the con artist with his charisma leads the victims into a life of luxury like a king. It wasn’t until later that he only used them for his gain.
Talking about content will be endless discussions. On the other hand, this documentary is very interesting to discuss through its narrative and aesthetic approach. Opened with interviews of the victims, this film immediately provoked curiosity and forced us to continue watching until the end.
Spoken so plainly, this film uses various techniques to accompany its narrative dominated by interviews. One is the reconstruction of scenes presented elegantly, and the cinematography composition is really good. A series of shots with a unique style makes it not boring to watch. Two, using a chat copy or an original voice recording further emphasizes reality while increasing the intensity of the drama. Three, using original images or footage from video recordings, pictures, or newspaper documentation. All three can be embroidered nicely through classy editing techniques to build a series of stories that are intense and easy to follow.
Uniquely, this documentary is told in a “real-time” situation. Real-time? I mean this because when the film was produced (interview moments), the situation in the story was still ongoing and had not ended. This also makes the ending feel anticlimactic. Crime doesn’t pay. This certainly raises various questions, how can this happen? One act of revenge was a relief, but not for the other victims. So why was this documentary made? For the con artists, the victims, law enforcement, or us, the next potential victims? Answers can vary from different perspectives.
Tinder Swindler is an interesting documentary presentation with a unique investigative side, various interview angles and an elegant aesthetic approach. The pros and cons of it will surround this film. There will be those who feel sympathy with the victim or vice versa. How can the victims be so easy to believe the fraudsters? One victim said, “dream situations like this only exist in movies”. Haven’t you ever heard the term “too good to be true”? Often feelings do defeat logic and reality. Technology is like a double-edged knife. It’s like the devil circle that never ends.
