“The more friends you have, the easier it is to be betrayed by them,” is the harsh yet true message Netflix’s newest documentary sends.
On Aug 29, 2025, Netflix released a new and intense true crime documentary. Following the events from 2020-22 of Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny being harassed and cyber bullied.
The Unknown Number: High School Catfish directed by Skye Borgman, the documentary was made to its truest potential. This film sends a message out to the world, but it also conveys what social media and technology can do to those our age.
Not only is the documentary absorbing, but it’s also disturbing and creates a gnawing feeling in your stomach. The shocking truth behind this film is what makes it so memorable and trending.
From the start, the documentary grips viewers with a mix of interviews, personal accounts, and police footage. Borgman masterfully weaves these elements together to build suspense and create a nagging sense of mystery. The pacing is steady, with twists and “red herrings” that keep the audience guessing about who is behind the bullying.
One of the most effective aspects of this documentary was the setting. With very small classes and tightly intertwined friendships, the sense of community works against those involved. In a town where everyone knows each other, suspicions spread quickly, and the possibility of betrayal feels more personal. Not only was this setting uneasy, but it also provided me with a bit of deja vu and similarities to Glen Rock.
However, I found myself annoyed and disappointed with the type of platform Borgman made for the cyber bullier; creating a defense and practically did not condemn the actions of the perpetrator. Yes, the culprit faced consequences, but the question now is, “Why years later are we giving them this stage?”
My one request is to show a more detailed and deeper description of the psychological aspects, and how one can find themselves taking these actions? What leads someone to commit acts of such sustained harm? What warning signs should we look for? Exploring these questions and concepts would have added new and profound layers of insight beyond the suspense.
At its heart, Unknown Number is not just about solving a case-it’s about what the case represents and means to the younger generations: The film delivers a chilling warning about the dangers of technology and social media, especially in the hands of someone with power.
