Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is an interactive film released by Netflix in 2018, created by Charlie Brooker as part of the Black Mirror anthology series. Set in 1984, it follows Stefan Butler, a young programmer developing a video game called Bandersnatch, based on a choose-your-own-adventure book. As Stefan struggles with deadlines, personal trauma, and reality itself, viewers make decisions that shape his fate.
The film’s key innovation is its interactive storytelling, allowing viewers to choose Stefan’s actions, from simple decisions like what cereal he eats to major plot points affecting his sanity and the game’s success. These choices lead to multiple branching narratives, several different endings, and even secret paths.
As Stefan dives deeper into his work, he begins questioning free will and reality, with meta-commentary on the illusion of choice—mirroring Black Mirror’s themes of technology’s dark impact. Some endings are tragic, involving madness or murder, while others reveal hidden layers of the story, such as Stefan discovering he is being controlled by Netflix itself.
The film was widely praised for its innovative use of interactivity, blending traditional cinema with gaming elements. However, some criticized it for feeling gimmicky or frustrating due to its looping structure. Regardless, Bandersnatch pushed the boundaries of storytelling and set a precedent for future interactive content on streaming platforms.
