Clickbait is a Netflix miniseries that follows the abduction of Nick Brewer, played by Adrian Grenier, who is a family man and a dedicated teacher. The story takes a harrowing turn when a video featuring Nick kidnapped and gagged begins to circulate online, with a clear message - he will die when the video hits 5 million views.
As the countdown begins, Nick's sister Pia (Zoe Kazan), her husband Matt (Betty Gabriel), and his colleague Sophie (Phoenix Raei), start looking for clues about Nick's whereabouts. The trail takes them through the murky waters of Nick's past, a web of deceit, secret lives, and troubled relationships that threaten to further complicate the situation.
The series is a quintessential thriller that targets the ennui around social media and its impact on our lives. It weaves a tantalizing web of suspense around the fickle nature of attention, and forces us to look within ourselves to question the real value of likes, shares, and virality.
With a crisp editing style and a plot that seamlessly integrates the perspectives of multiple characters, Clickbait offers an exhilarating viewing experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
Zoe Kazan delivers a standout performance as Pia, a woman whose loyalty to her brother is tested when she starts to unveil the various facets of his life. She brings a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength to her role, making her an endearing character that you root for throughout the series.
Betty Gabriel is equally impressive as Matt's wife, a lawyer who is battling her own inner demons while trying to keep her family together. Her character's struggle with addiction brings a believable depth to the story, and her portrayal is nuanced and compelling.
Phoenix Raei as Sophie also delivers a remarkable performance as a detective tasked with the job of tracking down Nick's abductor. Her character brings a refreshing perspective to the story, and her resolve to get to the bottom of the case despite being a skeptic of social media makes her stand out among the rest of the ensemble cast.
The supporting cast, including the likes of Abraham Lim, Jaylin Fletcher, and Zoe Boyle, amongst others, also deserve credit for their well-etched portrayals that complement the main arc of the story.
Clickbait is a timely and thought-provoking series that sheds light on the dark side of social media while simultaneously weaving a thrilling mystery that keeps you hooked till the very end. With its powerful performances and a dynamic storyline, it's a must-watch for anyone who loves a good whodunit.
Clickbait is a series that ran for 1 seasons (20 episodes) between August 25, 2021 and on Netflix