Netflix has produced some of the best documentaries in recent years, especially when it comes to the digital deceit of online catfishing. Now, the producers behind The Tinder Swindler and Don’t F**k With Cats is set to work on an adaptation of the hit UK podcast Sweet Bobby.

Based on the audio series from Tortoise Media, the feature film will tell the story of one of the world’s most elaborate and sophisticated catfish scams, where London-based broadcaster Kirat Assi (pictured above) became embroiled in a complex deception by a man called ‘Bobby’.

Kirat met Bobby on Facebook and developed a friendship with him, before they started a long-distance relationship. She felt as though she’d found the love of her life. But what started with seemingly sweet interactions gradually became a controlling relationship, as Kirat was pulled into an intricate web of lies.

Throughout their relationship, Bobby continued to give explanations for why he couldn’t meet Kirat in person, with each excuse becoming more and more extreme. This toxic deception lasted for over a decade and involved more than 60 fabricated characters – and now serves as a fable about the dangers of finding love online.

Watch the unbelievable trailer for yourself below:

With themes of control, manipulation and deception, Kirat’s story emphasised the darker side of social media and struck a chord with listeners of the Sweet Bobby podcast, which The Guardian’s named the number one best podcasts of 2021, the year it was released.

The documentary is set to be directed by Lyttanya Shannon (Subnormal: A British Scandal), and produced by Murder, Mystery and My Family’s Kiran Sira.

Netflix has just announced a release date of 16 October, so there isn’t long to wait.

Images: Netflix; Tortoise Media