Clickbait is captivating, catastrophic, and so much more

Ophelia Mathers

The following article contains discussion of sexual assault and violence. Reader discretion is advised.

Whilst the world, and Australia, move in and out of lockdowns, a binge-worthy yet sophisticated TV series can be hard to find. Clickbait, however, had me hooked from the opening scene. A family dinner that appeared perfect at first glance, quickly crumbles as the scene progresses. The characters of the Brewer family are introduced; the sister, Pia played by the fabulous Zoe Kazan, joins her brother Nick and his wife Sophie alongside their two sons at a dinner to celebrate the birthday of Pia and Nick’s mother. Straightaway audiences are introduced to the tense nature of the assembled characters in what should be a relaxing and enjoyable celebration - however Kazan’s character’s destructive and impulsive nature quickly results in Nick telling her to leave the house, stating ruthlessly that she can’t help but “destroy everything she touches,” a line that leaves viewers questioning the layers of this ‘picture-perfect’ family. The opening is only a premise of what is to come, as the next day Nick disappears, leaving both audiences and characters wondering what an earth happened.

The entire first episode focuses on Pia, painted as an outcast from her mother and sisterin-law, yet always finding solace in her relationship with her brother, Nick - despite the disastrous dinner. When Pia arrives at work the next day, she happens to view the viral video of her beloved brother holding up a sign that reads: “I abuse women, at five million views, I die.” The true story of Clickbait emerges. The themes introduced across all eight limited episodes are horrifying yet ring true to society today. On watching the pilot episode, I curiously googled the meaning of clickbait and realised how often I fall down the same rabbit hole myself when I’m online. The definition of clickbait is; ‘a headline that encourages you to click on a link to an article, video or picture.’ In a nutshell, clickbait thrives of the curiosity of internet users, often taking them down a deep and dark internet search where the line between truth and lies becomes a blur. The only goal for clickbait is not to publicise the truth, but to grab the attention of the millions of people active on the internet every day.

The show takes the act of ‘clickbaiting’ on the internet to a whole new level. The constant need to be sharing things online, however detrimental they are to someone’s wellbeing, is shockingly accurate when it comes down to Nick’s fate resting on the amount of views his video will get. However, like any accusation, the sign Nick holding up prompts questions for all the characters, and viewers of the show - did they really know who Nick was? Did he live a secret life? But most importantly, were any of the claims true?

Producer and creator of the show, Tony Aynes said he “always loved a good murder mystery” but Clickbait takes this to a new level by having each episode focusing on a new character with a different level of involvement in Nick’s disappearance. While watching the first episode, titled ‘The Sister’, focusing just on Pia’s character, I wondered if this style of filming would work, as I originally assumed the whole show would focus on Pia’s hunt for her brother, a premise that is familiar, but no doubt works for many murder mysteries. Refreshingly, Aynes takes viewers down a complicated chain of events, switching perspectives each episode to deepen the narrative and plot points to the viewer, so we are always left wondering who is responsible for the disappearance of Nick. The style is refreshing and captivating, and works brilliantly, leaving no room for confusion, only curiosity and at times, a sense of dread.

Although the show holds an extremely serious and raw tone throughout, there are some wholesome and lighter moments that remind us of the importance of real relationships not focused on the internet. Watching the characters in Nicks family grow over the series is one of my favourite parts; Pia’s determination to find her brother is so desperately sincere and reminds us of the bonds that bring us closer together in times of need. Similarly, Sophie’s relationship with her sons is forced to strengthen as the truth and lies about the family are revealed over all eight episodes. The narrative structure makes it easy to overlook the small flaws in the films realism sector, but like other murder mystery on Netflix, I went into viewing Clickbait expecting these and more.

The shows finale, episode eight; ‘The Answer’, had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. What I thought I knew about the characters was reshaped; when I thought I had figured out the complex answer of Nick’s disappearance, I was wrong. In the last week I’ve told family and friends of mine around Australia to watch Clickbait, and like me, they are all hooked. It’s the kind of show that’s near impossible to pace and watch slowly, as each episode leaves you with more questions, demanding more answers, and becoming increasingly nervous as the show’s climax becomes apparent. Watch this show. I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed, and next time you fall down a dark rabbit-hole online, just remember - you’re not the only one who’s watching.