Talhotblond

Talhotblond tells the story of an internet love triangle that led to a real-life murder. Directed by Barbara Schroeder, it recounts the events surrounding Thomas Montgomery, a 47-year-old married man who became involved in an online relationship with an 18-year-old girl using the screen name “talhotblond.” Montgomery, posing as an 18-year-old Marine, engaged in a passionate virtual romance with the young woman.

The situation took a dark turn when Montgomery’s 22-year-old co-worker, Brian Barrett, also began communicating with “talhotblond.” As jealousy and deceit escalated, the online interactions spiraled out of control, ultimately resulting in Montgomery murdering Barrett.

The documentary features interviews with key figures involved in the case, including Montgomery himself, the lead prosecutor, a clinical psychologist who served as an expert witness, and Barrett’s parents. It also includes narration from an actor portraying Barrett’s perspective.

As the story unfolds, a shocking twist is revealed: “talhotblond” was not the 18-year-old girl she claimed to be, but rather her mother, Mary Shieler, who had been posing as her daughter online. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the already tragic tale.

The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online relationships and the potential consequences of creating false identities on the internet. It highlights how easily the line between virtual reality and truth can be blurred, especially when emotions and obsessions take hold.