It’s been almost seven years since Netflix released its live-action interactive movie, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Now it’s leaving for good.
The 2018 movie was a landmark moment for the streaming giant in the realm of interactive storytelling through the lens of Charlie Brooker’s hit sci-fi dystopia.
The episode follows a programmer named Stefan (Fionn Whitehead) who is developing a Goosebumps-style choose-your-own adventure game for a tech company run by video game genius Colin Ritman (portrayed by Will Poulter).
But his attempts to create a bestselling interactive game turn meta when the viewer is put in control of how Stefan’s story will pan out, with potentially deadly consequences.
The unique concept seemed to divide viewers at the time, ultimately landing a shaky but comfortable 67% on Rotten Tomatoes from audience reviews.
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Some have praised it for its ‘unique twists’ with the user Louis P calling it ‘brilliant and forward thinking’.
Daniel W agreed the feature-length episode was ‘ambitious, trailblazing, and well-executed at times’.
On the other hand, some reviews like one from Donald D described it as ‘frustrating and unfulfilling’ with a story that ‘dragged out’.
And the divisive legacy of the innovative episode was reflected in critic reviews as well, with GQ calling it ‘actually quite underwhelming as a standalone story’ where it landed in 25th place.
Meanwhile, Vulture echoed issues with the storyline but ultimately placed it at 14th place for its ‘ambitious effort’.
But for many, it remains one of the creepiest episodes they’ve watched.
‘I can’t begin to explain how unsettling yet amazing this was I have never had goosebumps but been so creeped out at the same time,’ Rachel Damelio wrote on Google reviews.
RT user one user, Johann D. M called it a ‘very interesting, creepy and clever idea’.
‘I just played/watched black mirror Bandersnatch and my mind is not the same AT ALL, that was so creepy,’ bubbleswho shared on X.
‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Probably the creepiest!!’ Grasya echoed.
Whether you have praised the episode for its trailblazing nature, it holds a special in your heart or you are yet to make up your mind about it, there’s not much longer to give it a watch.
Unfortunately, after being unable to make interactive storytelling take off on the platform, Netflix is removing its interactive specials, including Bandersnatch and other titles like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend.
That’s right, the last day to watch either of these is May 12, with no confirmation on whether Bandersnatch will ever return, even in a non-interactive form.
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This move is even more shocking considering season seven of the show, which came out in April, features a follow-up with Colin Ritman, who is behind yet another video game that has destructive consequences in Plaything.
Although his feature in the episode does not rely on having watched the interactive movie, his and co-star Asim Chaudhry’s cameos in the episode are heightened for anyone who has seen it and knows these characters already.
Discussing his decision to bring back Will’s character, creator Charlie told Metro: ‘Plaything isn’t really a sequel to Bandersnatch.
‘While I was writing it, it was a separately conceived story. I just got to the point of, “oh, well, now we’re going to go and meet the creator of this game”.
‘One of my favourite characters ever in the series was Colin Ritman. What if it could be him? And could we get Asim [Chaudhry] as well to play Mo, the owner of Tuckersoft? Could we do that?
‘But I guess we could. Why not? Who decides these rules? It’s not like the government is going to step in and shut us down. So that was why.’
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch leaves Netflix on May 12. All seasons are available to stream on Netflix now.
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