I’d give Unknown Number: The High School Catfish a solid 8 out of 10. This Netflix documentary really pulls you in with how it talks about cyberbullying, secrets, and how quickly trust can fall apart in today’s online world. It’s based on a true story, which makes everything hit even harder — especially knowing that something like this actually happened to real high school students.

The story follows Lauryn Licari, a teenager from Michigan, who suddenly starts getting horrible, anonymous text messages along with her boyfriend. The texts are mean, threatening and nonstop. It’s almost like every teen’s nightmare: your phone, something you use all the time, suddenly turns into a source of fear. The big twist (no spoilers, but it’s shocking) makes you realize that cyberbullying doesn’t always come from who you expect. The reveal is so wild that you’ll probably have to pause the show just to process it.

What makes this documentary stand out is how real it feels. It’s not just about “mean people online.” It shows how online harassment can take over someone’s life. It can make a person feel isolated, paranoid and even unsafe in their own home. The movie also shines a light on how schools and police try to handle cases like this, but it’s not always simple. Technology gives bullies so many ways to hide, and sometimes the people you turn to for help don’t know how to stop it.

Even though it’s a serious topic, the documentary is easy to follow and keeps you hooked from start to finish. There’s a bit of detective work, a lot of emotion and plenty of moments that make you question who you can trust. The interviews and real footage make it even more powerful; you can really feel what Lauryn and her friends went through.

If I had to say anything negative, it’s that the middle part drags just a little, with too many details about the investigation. But that’s a small thing compared to how impactful the story is overall.

In the end, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is more than just a true-crime story — it’s a wake-up call about the effects of cyberbullying and the way technology can twist relationships. It’s an emotional, eye-opening watch that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll. If you’re into real stories that make you both shocked and reflective, this one is definitely worth your time.