The Masked Scammer
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The Masked Scammer
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Masked Scammer is a documentary about Gilbert Chikli, a scam artist who made off with over 100 million Euros between 2005 and 2017. This incredible story reveals how Chikli went about scamming CEOs, executives, government officials, and other "elites." This documentary traces the various scams and schemes Chikli committed, with many soundbites, voice/phone recordings, and examples of the ways he was able to convince people to hand over millions. Some footage of the 2005 London bombing attacks and the 2015 Paris attacks show non-gory images of the aftermath. A man tells a story of how his wife killed herself. Strong language includes: "f--k," "f--ked," "s--t," and "ass." Adults smoke cigarettes often.
What's the Story?
In THE MASKED SCAMMER, a man scams wealthy people, corporations, governments, and "elites" for over 100 million Euros from 2005 and 2017. But with the police and Interpol after him, will he escape authorities?
Is It Any Good?
In this true crime documentary, the sheer audacity of Gilbert Chikli and the nature of his scams themselves are enough to carry the film. Indeed, The Masked Scammer profiles the unbelievable boldness of Chikli and his ability to convince people with charm, confidence, and urgency. Chikli's master idea is truly brazen and resembles more an idea found in a fictional movie rather than reality. But there it is in all its glory: Chikli wearing a silicone mask of the French Minister of Defense (at the time) Jean-Yves Le Drian, impersonating him, and telling his victims to transfer money "for France" and to help "save hostages from terrorists."
The film is produced and delivered well. There is structure framing this tale of crime that traces Chikli's early life, first girlfriend and accomplice, and all the way to his current ex-wife and his eventual imprisonment. The only major gripe for some viewers, however, might be in the stylization and tone of documentary. In being so focused on delivering a pacey, hip, modern, and exciting tone, the film sometimes risks seeming like it glamorizes Chikli and his crimes more than it probably wants to. What gets lost amidst reveling in Chikli's "genius" are all the victims' stories, how many of them lost their jobs, careers, credibility, and reputations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about true crime in documentaries. Do you think The Masked Scammer glorifies crime at all? Why or why not?
Why were Chikli's scams were so successful? Do you think these kinds of scams would be possible today? Why or why not?
Chikli's ex-partners claim that they are the real victims. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 1, 2022
- Cast: Gilbert Chikli, Elise Le Guevel, Shirley Chikli, Sophie Grenier
- Directors: Dominic Sivyer, Yvann Yagchi
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 5, 2022
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