Tickled

TICKLED

Tickled begins as a lighthearted curiosity and quickly unfolds into one of the most unsettling and unforgettable documentaries of the decade. When New Zealand journalist David Farrier stumbles upon a bizarre online “competitive endurance tickling” video series, his attempt to cover it as a quirky human-interest story leads him into a shadowy world of intimidation, deceit, and obsession.

Co-directed by Farrier and Dylan Reeve, the film evolves from an investigation into an internet oddity into a gripping real-life thriller about power, privacy, and the dark undercurrents of online culture. Each discovery peels back another layer of manipulation, revealing how exploitation and secrecy thrive in digital spaces that blur the line between entertainment and abuse.

What makes Tickled so compelling is not just its mystery, but its tone—a blend of black comedy and genuine suspense that exposes how far some will go to maintain control over others. As Farrier and Reeve face harassment and legal threats, their determination turns the documentary itself into an act of resistance.

Winner of the Special Jury Award for Documentary Editing at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, Tickled is a fascinating and deeply disquieting exploration of human vulnerability and obsession in the internet age. It’s a story that begins with laughter and ends with a chilling reminder of how easily the strange can turn sinister.