Alright, presuming you’ve actually decided to click on this blog post let me first say that, yes, I KNOW this was trending months ago. It took me a while to watch Netflix’s Black Mirror event Bandersnatch, but boy does it leave an impression. In case you need a refresher, the popular television series Black Mirror put out a stand alone interactive film on Netflix’s platform. If you’re a child of the 90’s, then you may recall Goosebump’s choose your own adventure books with branching plot lines. It’s the same basic principle.
Except that it’s not. Sorry to say it folks but if you were looking for an entertaining and ultimately fulfilling burst of nostalgia that’s not what you’re going to get. Because Bandersnatch is an interactive FILM instead of an interactive book, the experience is vastly different. From the moment the first on screen choice was presented I started to wonder about the nature of this media. For instance, what would happen if I simply refused to make a selection? In book form, you’d put it down and walk away and the story would remain paused, unresolved. However, if the film paused at the end of the timer (you have roughly 10 seconds for each choice) it would likely break the immersion and present serious issues with pacing. I decided to try it out, and found that Netflix will ultimately select whichever option your cursor is hovering over if you neglect to actually press the button; a clever design decision as it increases immersion by making you feel like these choices are actually impacting the world in real time.
Extremely early on you get the sense that this film is self aware because they focus it around the development of a video game, which itself is based off a choose your own adventure book. This plot contrivance initially struck me as being a bit too meta for my taste, but it payed off in the end.
Additionally, if you’re like me you may find that you make a “wrong” choice early on in the story and have to start over. I believe that this is intentional. The expression on the character’s face strongly hints at making one choice over the other, and the end screen that comes after choosing the favored option is meant to shock.
But why is it shocking? Like I mentioned, the story strongly hints at one decision being the one that would bring the character the most joy. You can almost see him leaping at the opportunity, and then you have to deny him it. For those of us that are not sadistic AF this choice is uncomfortable, and it only gets more uncomfortable from there.
The way this film pushes us aggressively out of our comfort zone is exactly what I like about it, and I would recommend it on those merits alone. I have more to add, but cannot do so without revealing some key plot elements so without further delay….
WARNING: MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Remember how I said that the meta self aware set up of the plot eventually pays off? Well this is because it doesn’t just seem that way, it is that way. You eventually come to realize that the character whose choices you are controlling is aware of the fact that he is not making his own choices. You even get to see him try to resist the compulsion to do what you ask of him. He becomes more and more unraveled as the plot continues, and here’s the unnerving part: you’re responsible. You are the person behind the screen making him act this way. You are the force deconstructing his life piece by piece against his will. Interactive media like this serves a vital role in today’s world because it allows you to literally put yourself into someone else’s life and experience things from their perspective. It’s the same reason that avid readers have been shown to be more empathetic people. Except in video games and interactive media like this you have an active role in the experience rather than just being a passive observer.
Bandersnatch is uncomfortable to watch/play specifically because of your role in it, and that’s exactly why you should. I challenge you to put yourself in someone else’s world, and feel the weight of your influence.
Seriously, go watch it.
Elevate Kait 