After single-handedly revolutionizing the way we actually watch television, Netflix seem to be at it again – this time by making it so you can’t actually just watch and enjoy. This new style interactive television comes courtesy of Black Mirror: Bandersnatch which was released to the streaming service last week. In it, viewers are encouraged to make decisions which alter the film’s plot as you go along which can result in some vastly different endings. Whilst many have praised this unique way of storytelling, others have been more critical with some comments even forcing one of the film’s stars off social media.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch comes from the twisted mind of Charlie Brooker and centers around young game designer, Stefan (Fionna Whitehead) looking to adapt his mother’s favorite ‘Choose your Own Adventure’ novel into a video game in a burgeoning industry. As his work begins to consume his life, Stefan begins to believe that he may not actually be the master of his own destiny as he believes.
Detroit star Will Poulter, who plays Video Game designer Colin in the film has today announced that he will be leaving social media following some of the more negative comments made towards the film. Taking to Twitter, Poulter explained.
“In light of my recent experiences I am choosing to take a step back, of sorts, from Twitter.
Before I do, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everybody who has watched Bandersnatch and for their responses (whatever they may be) to the material we created. I accept all criticisms and it’s been a delight to learn that so many of you enjoyed what many people worked very hard to produce!
As we all know there is a balance to be struck in our engagements with social media. There are positives to enjoy and inevitable negatives that are best avoided. It’s a balance I have struggled with for a while now and in the interest of my mental health I feel the time has come to change my relationship with social media.
I don’t want to appear unappreciative of all the amazing support I have received online for which I am genuinely so grateful, nor do I want my disengagement with social media to be at the expense of any of the organisations I am lucky to work with. So I will still be posting occasionally for and with @AntiBullyingPro @leap_cc @MayMeasure and @bptcompany among others.
I am privileged to have this platform. I hope that this shift to reduce my personal expression and increase the focus on issues that matter will result in a better outcome for everyone. That is not the end. Consider it an alternative path.
With love, Will.”
With love… pic.twitter.com/JSm7oNLTsV
— Will Poulter (@PoulterWill) January 2, 2019
Those who have experienced the movie will recognize the ‘Alternative Path’ quote as being one that Colin tells Stefan after making one of the many wrong decisions you could make over the course of the story sending them back to take a different branch of the story.
It is a shame that the negative comments have forced the actor off Twitter, especially when he does so much in regards to Anti-Bullying campaigns. Here’s hoping that he comes out of this a stronger person. It’s also relatively surprising to hear since the majority of reviews and responses for the film have actually been positive. I know that everyone I know that has experienced the episode had a blast with it. I sure did.
You can experience out Black Mirror: Bandersnatch for yourself on Netflix now.
What do you think? Did you watch the episode? What was your favourite ending? Let us know below!