Okay, we need to chat.
It’s been two nights since I watched the new Black Mirror feature and to be honest, I’m still confused as to what on earth went on!
In case you are unaware of what I’m talking about, let me get you up to speed. After teasing they were working on something special, Netflix finally dropped Bandersnatch— an interactive feature length film that allows you to build your own storyline by choosing from a series of options.
At the beginning of the standalone film, a tutorial explains that you have two options to pick from and you have to do so within seconds. From what cereal the main character Stefan eats to discovering how his mother died, his storyline, and essentially his fate, is in your hands. It almost feels like you are playing a game, which is fitting because that’s what the whole film is about.
Now to the plot. It’s 1984 and British video game addict, Stefan (Fionn Whitehead) is preparing to pitch a new idea for a game to the famous, Colin Ritman (Will Poulter). It’s based on his favourite novel, Bandersnatch. Like the book, Stefan’s game has multiple narratives. With its many layers and difficult codes, perfecting the game is inherently challenging. So much so, he literally goes insane! Mindbending, right?
One playthrough is only 90 minutes long, however, it has multiple endings meaning that all together, there’s a mammoth 312 minutes of content.
Since Netflix dropped the film, fans have been going nuts. And thankfully, lots of viewers are just as confused as I am— which helps me sleep at night because there was a short period of time where I thought I was literally an imbecile.
Take a look at people’s reaction!
Also, major side note but I could not take Will Poulter seriously in Bandersnatch. His British accent… dead! His bleached blonde hair…also dead. Literally, every time the camera panned to him, all I could think of was Kenny from We’re The Millers.