Dec. 28, 2018|United Kingdom|90 Min.|TV-MA
Genre: Drama;Mystery;Science;Fiction;Thriller;TV;Movie
Description: “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)” is an interactive film set in Britain in July 1984. The story follows Stefan Butler, a young programmer, as he adapts the “choose your own adventure” book “Bandersnatch,” written by Jerome F. Davies and left behind by his late mother, into a groundbreaking video game. Stefan pitches his idea to Tuckersoft, a video game company led by Mohan Thakur and featuring renowned game creator Colin Ritman. Stefan is given the option to either accept or reject their assistance in developing the game. If he accepts, Colin warns him that he has chosen the “wrong path.” The game is eventually released months later, only to be heavily criticized as “designed by committee.” The film then loops back to the decision point, allowing the viewer to make the choice again.
If Stefan rejects the offer, he begins working on the game independently from his bedroom, facing a strict September deadline. As the game becomes increasingly complex, Stefan’s stress escalates, leading to tension with his father, Peter. Stefan seeks therapy from Dr. Haynes, where the viewer can choose to disclose the story of his mother’s death. At the age of five, Stefan accidentally caused his mother to miss her train by insisting on retrieving his confiscated stuffed rabbit. The train later derailed, resulting in her death, leaving Stefan burdened with guilt. Dr. Haynes prescribes medication, and the viewer decides whether Stefan takes it or discards it.
The viewer may also choose to have Stefan visit Colin’s apartment, where he lives with his girlfriend Kitty and their infant daughter Pearl. During a hallucinogenic experience, Colin shares his theories about government mind-control programs and alternate timelines. To prove his point, he challenges Stefan to choose between them to jump off the balcony. If Stefan jumps, his death leads to Tuckersoft completing the game, which receives poor reviews. If Colin jumps, the scene is revealed to be a dream, though Colin disappears from future events.
The film “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” offers a unique, interactive storytelling experience, blending psychological drama, science fiction, and the challenges of game development.
Cast director: David Slade
Cast actor: Fionn Whitehead, Craig Parkinson, Alice Lowe, Will Poulter, Asim Chaudhry, Tallulah Haddon, Alan Asaad, Catriona Knox, Paul Bradley, Jonathan Aris
Original name: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch