Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018) on Netflix
R20181h 30mMysterySci-FiThriller
In July 1984, Stefan Butler, a young programmer, is adapting the fantasy gamebook Bandersnatch into a video game. He pitches it to Tuckersoft, and the viewer makes his choices for him.
- Netflix3.6/5
- IMDb7.1/10143,979 votes
- Rotten TomatoesNot available
Trailer
Plot summary
Bandersnatch, a choose-your-own-adventure book by Jerome F. Davies that belonged to his mother, is being adapted into an adventure game by Stefan Butler, a young programmer, in 1984. He pitches the game to Tuckersoft, the company run by Mohan Thakur, where the game creator Colin Ritman works. Stefan is offered the company's help in developing it. The viewer makes his choices for him, from his breakfast cereal to whether he accepts the offer. If he declines the offer, he works on the game alone toward a September deadline. Stefan also visits his therapist, Dr. Haynes. As the game grows more complex, Stefan becomes stressed and hostile toward his father, Peter.
Cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Bandersnatch contained 150 minutes of unique footage divided into 250 segments, yielding over one trillion possible viewer paths for the interactive film.
- Chooseco, founded by R. A. Montgomery, sued Netflix for trademark infringement over Bandersnatch's use of "choose your own adventure," seeking upwards of $25 million in damages.
- Bandersnatch was Netflix's first interactive content for adults, requiring more complex choices than earlier interactive works and leading Netflix staff to build a bespoke tool, Branch Manager.
- Charlie Brooker wrote Bandersnatch's 170-page script in Twine, also using Scrivener, Final Draft and multiple versions of Microsoft Notepad; it went through seven versions.
- Writer Warren Ellis was asked to portray Davies in Bandersnatch but could not commit to the open shooting schedule and travel; game developer Jeff Minter took the role at Jones's suggestion.
- After GIF-animation choice designs confused test viewers, Bandersnatch used text options with temporary letterboxing; lighting, sound design and aspect ratio change to create pressure.
- Composer Brian Reitzell wrote separate scores for each major Bandersnatch storyline, syncing music to choice-point transitions, and used 1980s equipment including video game sound chips and modified consoles.
