Netflix has finally unveiledBlack Mirror: Bandersnatchfor the world to see, and as suspected, it is not only their first-everBlack Mirrormovie but also their first choose-your-own-adventure style interactive film experience, though they have other unique like-minded entertainment for you to choose from. But that other stuff is mostly for kids.
This could be considered the snake eating its own tail, asBlack Mirroris about advanced technology and the effects it has on human life. Interactive movies with 1,000,000,000,000+* unique permutations could keep you from experiencing life away from the so-called ‘black mirror’ that is the screen of your iPhone or tablet.
Black Mirroris an anthology series that taps into our collective unease with the modern world, with each stand-alone episode a sharp, suspenseful tale exploring themes of contemporary techno-paranoia leading to an unforgettable - and sometimes unsettling - conclusion. Without questioning it, technology has transformed all aspects of our lives; in every home; on every desk; in every palm - a plasma screen; a monitor; a Smartphone - a Black Mirror reflecting our 21st Century existence back at us.Netflixhas this to say aboutBandersnatch.
“TheNetflix Interactive Filmyou’re about to experience is different from other Netflix Interactive Films… namely because it’s the only one. In this 80s-set, sometimes morally-compromising adventure, you alone are in charge of what happens next. The journeys you go on are a direct result of your decisions.”
Get your remotes ready, all you armchair quarterbacks. There are choices to be made, challenges to overcome, dangers to encounter and, as always in life (andBlack Mirror), consequences to be had. Choosing wisely could lead to triumph while taking the wrong path could end in disaster, but who’s to say what’s “right” and “wrong,” anyway? And fret not because once one experience comes to a close, you’re able to, and should!, go back and make a new choice, alter the path of your story and maybe even change its outcome.
Black Mirroris a series created and written by Charlie Brooker, and executive produced by Brooker and Annabel Jones. It is the first series to utilize what Netflix is now classifying as ‘A Netflix Interactive Film. It was made available at 12:01 am on December 28. Set in the 1980s, Bandersnatch introduces us to Stefan, a young programmer who has hopes of creating a best-selling, text-based computer game inspired by a ‘choose your own adventure’-style novel given to him as a child.
This extended episodestars Fionn Whitehead (Stefan), Will Poulter (Colin), Craig Parkinson (Peter), Alice Lowe (Dr. Haynes), Asim Chaudhry (Tucker). It was directed by David Slade, produced by Russell McLean and executive produced by Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones, with the movie written by Charlie Booker.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatchis Netflix’sfirst adult-oriented / live action interactive experience. Other interactive titles on Netflix include:Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale,Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile,Stretch Armstrong; The Breakout, andMinecraft: Story Mode.
Bandersntach took a total of 35 days too shoot, and while it has 1,000,000,000,000+* unique permutations, given the number of choices, the unique number of variations (or permutations) are more than a trillion. But you could always choose the default path, which gives you a nice 90 minute experience without stressing you out. Which may be a major problem for some Millennials and could cause backlash against Netflix and the Interactive Film experience as a whole, which again taps into the vary aspect of whatBlack Mirroris about, allowing the anthology experience to bleed into the real world.
While watching Bandersnatch, you’ll want to keep your eyes out for any hidden Easter eggs. Another warning, if you plan to embark on the choose-your-own adventure as laid out in thisBlack Mirrormovie, verify you have some extra time, you may be at this all day if hoping to experience it in full. You can being your experience at your ownNetflix account website or app.
