David Slade’s interactive film “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” was released in 2018. It’s a part of the well-known “Black Mirror” anthology series, which is renowned for its gloomy, dystopian outlook on contemporary life and technology.
In the film, Stefan played by Fionn Whitehead, a teenage programmer working on a video game adaptation of the book “Bandersnatch,” is the main character. The distinction between fact and fiction becomes increasingly hazy for him as he digs deeper into the game’s development.
The interactive nature of “Bandersnatch,” which lets spectators make decisions for the protagonist throughout the film, distinguishes it from other films. This feature not only provides an element of agency and control to the experience for viewers, but it adds an element of unpredictability and confusion. Having different endings depending on different choices one makes.
Overall, “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” is a thought-provoking and entertaining film about the consequences of free will and choice. Fans of the “Black Mirror” series and anyone who enjoys interactive storytelling will enjoy the film’s innovative format and compelling storyline. It should be noted, however, that the film’s themes and imagery can be disturbing and unsettling, so it may not be appropriate for all audiences.
By: Heta Mistry (Student of Bachelor of Media and Communication)
