Release Date: Dec. 28, 2018

Director: David Slade

Starring: Fionn Whitehead (Stefan Butler), Will Poulter (Colin), Alice Lowe (Dr. Haynes), Asim Chaundhry (Mohan Thakur) and Craig Parkinson (Peter Butler)

MPAA Rating: TV-MA

Our Rating: A+

As Netflix’s first original interactive film, “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” allows the viewer to make choices for the character that later affect the plot. “Bandersnatch” is set in the ’80s, where a game-programming newcomer is trying to convert one of his favorite books, called “Bandersnatch” and written by a psychotic man, into a choose-your-own-adventure video game. As time progresses, Stephan struggles to control his impulses and define the line between real life and his imagination. This movie has five different endings, and there are about five hours of footage that contribute to the entire film; although, the viewer only watches about two hours of it in one sitting.

“I love games where your choices matter, and I’m really happy Netflix is starting to do interactive movies and stories; it creates a really unique experience and no other streaming platform has done it before so it’s uncharted territory. Sadly, I do not think I would want another movie like this anytime soon since you need to put in so much time and effort into it if you want to feel fulfilled,” freshman Katherine Blanco said.

As a corresponding film to the “Black Mirror” series, there are many hidden “Easter eggs” from the show that have made cameos in the movie. The details in this film are so intricate that many small parts you may have not noticed are references to the show. For example, there is a poster of a robot from the series in the Tuckersoft building. If you do get a chance to watch the movie several times, seeing the different endings changes your perspective on the characters and their personal traits. Fionn Whitehead was the perfect person to play the role of Stefan because he emoted the struggles of finding your inner self in a time of turmoil, portraying the darker side of Stefan in some scenarios. The cinematography of the movie perfectly captured the characters, especially Stephan, and if it had been filmed differently, it would not have had the same effect.

“I really liked the movie; all the choices keep you on edge, and you feel that you have control over some parts of the characters unlike most movies and shows where they usually do something really stupid and it’s just so frustrating,” freshman Lianet Fundora said.

This movie, although hard to describe without spoiling anything, keeps everyone watching at the edge of their seat. The movie completely absorbs you, and you become attached to all of the characters as the decisions become more and more difficult. If you previously watched “Black Mirror,” “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” is even more enjoyable because of all of the references to the show. Experiencing the interactive film is extremely entertaining, and this movie was a perfect use of the interactive. The idea of controlling the plot, however, always makes one wonder, “what if I chose differently?” This can still easily be solved if you have the time and the willpower to watch all of the endings. “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” is both an immersive, intricate experience and an entertaining (while sometimes creepy) film that I would definitely recommend.