Watch Tickled

In the documentary film "Tickled," the New Zealand journalist David Farrier comes across a bizarre and seemingly innocuous online video of young men being tickled. Suspecting that there might be a more sinister or exploitative origin to the videos, Farrier starts to investigate and is met with swift resistance. As Farrier probes deeper into the tickling video empire, he discovers a web of deceit and harassment, with some individuals going to great lengths to maintain secrecy around the videos and the people involved. Along with his co-director Dylan Reeve, Farrier uncovers a series of shocking revelations, including the lengths to which people will go to keep dark secrets buried.

One of the key players in this web of deception is a wealthy American businessman named David D’Amato. D’Amato is introduced to Farrier and Reeve as the producer of the tickling videos, but the more that the filmmakers investigate, the more they begin to suspect that there is much more to D’Amato’s involvement than he lets on.

During the course of the movie, Farrier and Reeve also encounter a number of unknowing participants in the videos, many of whom describe experiencing shame and humiliation as a result of their involvement. The filmmakers come to suspect that D'Amato may be blackmailing some of the participants in the videos, using their fear of exposure to keep them from speaking out about his activities.

Over the course of their investigation, Farrier and Reeve also face significant pushback from D’Amato’s lawyers, who go to great lengths to prevent the filmmakers from accessing information about the tickling videos and their production. Despite the numerous obstacles in their way, Farrier and Reeve persevere, determined to uncover the truth about the tickling video empire, no matter where the trail may lead.

The film is a gripping and unsettling look at the dark underbelly of an online subculture, as well as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, secrecy, and unchecked power. Through their dogged pursuit for answers, Farrier and Reeve ultimately shine a light on a shadowy and disturbing world, exposing both the individuals involved and the systemic flaws that allow such exploitation to thrive in the first place.

Overall, "Tickled" is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in true crime or investigative journalism. With its compelling subject matter, impressive access to sources and evidence, and meticulous attention to detail, the film is a masterclass in how to uncover and expose a shocking and disturbing story. Whether you're a fan of documentaries or simply interested in the more bizarre corners of the internet, "Tickled" is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Tickled is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 76.