Hulu’s new documentary explores the dark side of fandom

A deep dive into ‘Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara’

Hulu is set to release a gripping new documentary titled Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara on October 18. This film, produced by Story Syndicate and Erin Lee Carr’s Carr Lot Prods., delves into a long-running catfishing scheme that has deeply affected fans of the Canadian indie rock band Tegan and Sara.

The beginning of the nightmare

In 2011, Tegan Quin, one half of the iconic duo Tegan and Sara, experienced a harrowing invasion of privacy when her personal files were hacked. This breach led to her identity being stolen and used in a complex catfishing scheme that targeted the band’s devoted fanbase. The documentary meticulously traces the events that unfolded, revealing the profound impact on the community that had formed around the band.

The rise of Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara have been trailblazers in the indie rock scene, known for their beautifully confessional lyrics and their open celebration of queer identity. Their music has provided a safe space for many fans to come out and embrace their true selves. The documentary’s synopsis highlights how the band worked tirelessly to cultivate an inclusive and passionate fanbase, only to have a bad actor exploit this trust.

The emergence of ‘Fegan’

The perpetrator, dubbed “Fegan” (a portmanteau of “Fake Tegan”), aimed to ensnare members of the Tegan and Sara community, leading to a severe ripple effect of mistrust, anxiety, and self-doubt. Tegan Quin eventually enlisted the help of documentary filmmaker and investigator Erin Lee Carr to uncover the culprit behind this malicious scheme.

A multifaceted narrative

The documentary is not just a recounting of the 2011 investigation but also uncovers new victims and potential suspects, revealing sinister and unforeseen twists. Told through Tegan’s own voice, the voices of deceived fans, and a trove of visceral communications between fake Tegan and their victims, this film is a thriller, a caper, a whodunnit, and an intimate personal journey rolled into one. It cuts to the heart of love and betrayal, fame and fandom, desire and delusion in the 21st century.

Tegan and Sara’s ongoing legacy

Recently, Tegan and Sara turned their memoir High School into an Amazon Freevee series, directed by filmmaker Clea DuVall. The identical twins, who started their musical journey in 1998, have released ten albums, including their most recent, Crybaby, in 2022. They were nominated for a Grammy in 2012 and have also ventured into graphic novels with Junior High. The prolific siblings produce the Substack newsletter The Loners Club and oversee the Tegan and Sara Foundation, which won the Juno Humanitarian award this year.

Hulu’s expanding documentary portfolio

Hulu continues to expand its impressive lineup of documentaries and docuseries. Recent entries include Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini, which quickly became Hulu’s most-watched docuseries after just one week of streaming.

Behind the scenes of ‘Fanatical’

Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara is directed and produced by Erin Lee Carr, with Elyssa Hess and Jenny Eliscu also serving as producers. The documentary is executive produced by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin, alongside Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Jon Bardin, and Kate Barry for Story Syndicate.

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Tegan and Sara, you can watch the trailer for Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara here.

Personal reflections

As a long-time fan of Tegan and Sara, this documentary strikes a personal chord. Their music has always been a beacon of authenticity and vulnerability, resonating deeply with listeners who find solace in their lyrics. The revelation of such a betrayal within their community is both shocking and heartbreaking. This documentary promises to be a compelling watch, not just for fans of the band, but for anyone interested in the complexities of online identity and the dark side of fandom.

In a world where digital interactions often blur the lines between reality and deception, Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of trust and the devastating consequences when it is broken.