La madre de las estafas

Con Mom had potential - the story is wild, the production isn't bad, and it's the kind of show that should pull you in easily. But there's one thing I just couldn't get past: Heather Kaniuk.

She plays one of the main characters, but her voice is so painfully forced - like this fake, low, raspy tone that sounds like she's trying way too hard to be intense or mysterious. It's not natural, it's not engaging... it's just ugh. Every time she speaks, it completely takes me out of the story. It feels like a parody of a true crime character rather than a believable performance.

I'm sorry, but it's genuinely one of the most irritating and frustrating vocal performances I've ever heard on a show. It's killing the vibe entirely.

I wanted to like it, but I just can't sit through it with that voice constantly dragging things down.

Graham and Heather are excited about the imminent birth of their child, but their world it rocked, when Graham gets a message from Dionne,who claims to be his long lost mother, and a relative of The Sultan of Brunei, a woman who's apparently hugely wealthy. Dionne is quick to buy gifts for Graham and Heather, but bizarrely she's soon asking for money.

It is a very well made and fascinating documentary, in this day and age where there isn't a single day where there isn't a story about some sort of scam or dodgy scheme, it seems so odd that it can still be happening, but it continues to happen.

The way Dionne manipulated poor Graham was cruel, she really took advantage of that need in him to find love, to find a place of belonging. It took Graham some time to realise what was going on.

I don't know why, but when I think of scammers, I think of attractive, younger people, I don't often think of old ladies, it just goes to show, you should never trust anyone on face value.

It's so incredibly sad to learn that the couple split, they seemed so much in love, so happy, Graham man you should have gone to your wife and new born at Christmas, you can understand why Heather got so angry, mum or not.

What an evil woman, Dionne has done nothing but take from Graham, from start to finish, karma, one can only hope.

It's a fascinating watch.

9/10.

Well. This is a toe-curlingly agonising watch!

Con Mum is an above average con story documentary.

A vulnerable man and his partner are expecting a baby, when an old woman comes into their lives seemingly out of nowhere. What unfolds is a story of mind-boggling amoral manipulation, greed and financial destruction. No spoilers.

The power of this show comes from the honesty of the real-life protagonists in front of the cameras. All of them, except one. We really feel for those on the receiving end, especially and particularly the vulnerable man and his family. It's appalling to watch. Shredding. Chilling.

Even so - we learn a whole lot about one of our human conditions: the need we have to want to believe. Once a scammer knows this vulnerability about us - they have us.... That's what's happened here in Con Mum.

Recommended.

Hi Graham,

I recently watched Con Mum and felt compelled to reach out.

First, I want to say how deeply sorry I am for everything you went through. The emotional and financial pain you endured is unimaginable, and it's clear you carried a heavy burden.

That said, I can't help but feel disappointed by the way your relationship with your partner and son seemed sidelined. Throughout the documentary, it felt like your focus was so fixed on Dionne and the fantasy she spun that you overlooked the people who were truly there for you - your real family. She, too, belonged to your kitchen world, the place you sought refuge in, yet you forgot she was part of that very world that once gave you safety and support. To me, that felt like a painful form of indifference.

Now, it's time to take responsibility and fight to bring your family back together. No more excuses - your partner and son deserve you to show up fully. Go after them, make amends, and rebuild what was lost before it's too late.

Thank you for sharing your truth so openly. I wish you strength and courage as you face this challenge.

Take care (and remember - "take care" is not something your family owes you by default; it's something you must earn.)

In this gripping film, the intricacies of deception unfold as it reveals how the scammed were, in many ways, willing participants in their own downfall. The direction is sharp, effectively showcasing the receipts of their misplaced trust. One can only hope that the total amount lost pales in comparison to the film's production costs. The narrative cleverly highlights that those scammed were ultimately biding their time, anticipating a payoff upon her demise. While I don't condone scamming, this story serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating that sometimes, those seeking a quick gain get exactly what they deserve. A thought-provoking watch!