Angela is a well written villain

Documentaries with a narrative are always more interesting than a plain documentary, and this was no exception. It was like a mystery film, where we were on the edge of our seats, wanting to know more about Megan and Angela and Abby. Even when the big question of "Who is Megan really?" was answered we were still curious to learn about the sheer intricacy of the answer we got.

What makes the answer we got so complex is all of the questions that it raises. How much of it was a lie? Was there something real in the relationship? Should Angela be forgiven? Is keeping her as a friend on Facebook the right choice? All of that is plenty to talk about, but what interests me is none of those questions. Instead, what made me feel sad for her?

Let's be honest, when we found out about her actual life we couldn't help but understand, at least a little. Her dreams crushed under the weight of two mentally disabled children and clueless husband? You can't tell me that you wouldn't want some sort of escape route from that life. I know I would.

Angela set up such an elaborate scheme involving her daughter, a fake daughter, and fifteen fake Facebook accounts; she targeted someone way out of her way, and did really well for a long time. She went through all this effort, planning everything out and evolving that plan more and more as the situation demanded it. She did all of this, and for what? Love? Affection? A better life? A fantasy she knew she could never have? Maybe it was all of those things. Regardless of what it was, I think we can all agree that whatever it was that she wanted was not a bad thing. Being desired in some way - especially a romantic one - is a feeling that a great many people can't help but crave, and being loved is that I think we can agree on every human being deserving.

I think that's the reason that I felt bad for her isn't because I can relate to her or anything, but instead because her goal wasn't a bad one. Angela was just seeking comfort. There's nothing wrong with pursuing a relationship. But the ends don't justify the means.

By far one of the most interesting types of villains in fiction are the ones who strive to do a good thing, but are willing to do terrible things to succeed in doing it. I realize that Angela is not a fictional character, and was not a scripted villain in a movie. Duh. But at the same time she totally did a good thing (received comfort and affection) by doing some terrible things (literally everything), and I feel like that's why I understand her so well. While I can't relate too much with the feelings of craving human attention and affection, I can still be absolutely blown away by how far she was willing to go just to get it. The struggle she pushed herself through and the commitment she showed just to achieve that one goal is something I actually admire. I have nothing in my life I would push myself to such lengths to achieve.

Now I still think that what she did was wrong and selfish, but with all of this in mind I can't say that she didn't have a reason. I can't say she didn't have a goal that she was desperate to fill. I can't say that she wasn't just another hurting human being. All I can say is that she went about it the wrong way. That's all.

Also, the documentary had a good soundtrack.