National Selfie Day came and went this Saturday, but its message lingers—we live in a time when turning the camera on ourselves has become second nature. With just a tap and a front-facing lens, we frame the lives we want others to see. But what happens when the camera keeps rolling and we’re not the ones in control?
In film and TV, the selfie has evolved into something far more complex. It’s not just about capturing a moment, but shaping perception. Whether through fake influencers or lives lived under surveillance, these stories reveal the power—and danger—of being watched, recorded, and relentlessly curated.
Here are five films that hold a mirror up to selfie culture and ask, “Who’s really behind the lens?”
The Truman Show (1998)
Directed by Peter Weir and starring Jim Carrey, this media satire features a man unaware that his entire life is broadcasted 24/7—long before social media became ubiquitous. The film is widely regarded as a prescient critique of surveillance, media manipulation, and performative reality.
Catfish (2010)
This documentary follows Nev Schulman as he builds an online relationship—only to find his romantic interest isn’t who she claims. The film popularized the term “catfishing” and questions whether any online persona can ever be fully trusted .
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
In this dark comedy, Aubrey Plaza plays a woman obsessed with an influencer’s perfectly curated life. As she tries to become internet-famous herself, the line between real and filtered starts to unravel. It’s a sharp look at identity, loneliness, and the cost of chasing relevance.
The Social Dilemma (2020)
This Netflix documentary–drama hybrid features tech insiders who warn that every selfie, like, and share is tracked by algorithms designed to hold our attention—and shape our emotions .
Not Okay (2022)
Starring Zoey Deutch, this satirical drama follows a young wannabe influencer who fakes a glamorous trip to Paris only to get caught, spiraling into internet infamy. This satire hits close to home in the age of viral fame, where every like and share can either build your brand—or break it.
