When Strangers Click - Movie Review of When Strangers Click - 2011

In this day and age of social networking on the Internet, millions of strangers become instant friends via the Internet. But can the virtual relationships shared in cyberspace be converted into real life romances of the lasting kind? Documentary filmmaker Robert Kenner (Food, Inc., 2009) follows several lonely people who sought love on the internet, and shows what happened with the relationships they developed.

The unpleasantries and dangers of Internet dating have been played out many narrative features and layed out in documentaries such as Catfish (2010), the troubling real life story of how an older woman used her daughter's photos and personal information to attract the affections of a younger man.

But Robert Kenner's entertaining and hearwarming When Strangers Click shows the more positive possibilities by following five people -- three men and two women -- who've found better, happier results.

You Say You Met Where?

Meet Kim whose online search for love lead her to a handsome man from Prague who asked her to marry him and she did. She was surprised to find, when she flew off to meet him, that he spoke barely any English. Yet the relationship worked!

Then there's Dave, a nice guy who was inhibited and feared rejection because he's height-challenged. For Dave, the Internet was a safe haven where he could let women get to know his big heart before they discovered his short stature.

At age 30, Beth was ready to give up on the possibility of meeting a mate, but the Internet introduced her to a guy with all the right qualities and circumstances.

Jonas, a Swedish farmer who was living in the remote countryside with his mother, found a loving friendship through Second Life, where his avatar courted another avatar. Eventually, their relationship in cyberspace became a genuine match in reality.

Finally, Ryan, a young gay man who felt isolated in his hometown surroundings, found a community of people who understand, love and support him when he Googled "gay."

While each of Kenner's five subjects has quite a different story with its own unique outcome, all have effectively used the Internet to connect to better, more satisfying, happier lives.

It's fitting that this HBO made-for-TV documentary premieres on Valentine's Day, 2011. The film is upbeat and entertaining. Its characters are attractive and funny. And, Robert Kenner is a very good storyteller. Valentine's Day or any day, this documentary is a fun watch.

If You Like This Film, You May Also Like:

• Catish
• The Business of Being Born
• Steal A Pencil For Me
• Food, Inc.
• Molotov Alva and His Search For The Creator
• Second Skin
• We Live In Public

Film Details:

• Title: When Strangers Click
• Director: Robert Kenner
• Release Date: February 14, 2011 (Broadcast on HBO)
• Running Time: 60 mins.
• Parental Advisory: Content advisory for parents
• Country: USA
• Language: English
• Company: HBO Documentaries
• Official Website