Playtest

Imagine a VR (virtual reality) horror game that reads your subconsciousness and personalizes itself by adapting to your deepest fears, so real (because everything takes place in your head) that your mind is not capable of distinguishing it from reality.

"Playtest" is a psychological horror mindfak, set in the environment of a retro "haunted house". The futuristic but potentially realistic premise, charismatic characters, great acting and directing, and an atmosphere similar to Poe or Lovecraft, make it my favorite episode so far. And the plot twists, although unoriginal, are only seemingly predictable and managed to surprise me and leave me under a strong impression.

8,5/10.

This episode packed in so much, talk about a thrill ride. After a slightly casual, meandering start it develops into what has to be described as classic Black Mirror. When these episodes hit on a theme or a concept that makes you say to yourself 'that could possibly happen,' they work better, and boy this one is along those lines. With the advancements in gaming tech over the years, why on Earth couldn't something like this happen. Outrageous production values, a terrifying concept, fabulous performances, notably from Wyatt Russell and Wunmi Mosaku (the latter being one of the best British talents we have!) all elements add up to make Playtest a rip roaring ride of terror, 57 minutes you'll not want to miss.

Would you kindly open the door?

Would you kindly watch this episode?

Such an amazingly inside video game reference! I'm surprised that no one else has pointed it out yet.

I'm sure that there are many other insider references that I may not have picked up on, but having the protagonist perform an action by requesting that he kindly open the door is so very satisfying.

Acting from all players is great, no issues here. And the Japanese that is used is actually pronounced very well, even from the non- Japanese actors (something that is still EXTREMELY rare in TV/Movies).

Every episode of Black Mirror is excellent, in my opinion. This one is no exception. Playtest leaves the viewer with a few questions and much food for thought; which is standard procedure for Black Mirror all around. Highly recommend all episodes, and this one simply for the Bioshock reference above. Brilliant!

I watched this episode with my 19year old son. At the end I asked, what's the moral of this story? Always answer when your mom calls!!

This show is so good... You would be hard pressed to find anything similar in quality, execution, content, acting and production value anywhere else. This episode just soars from starting to finish, always captivating, thrilling and suspenseful. And in the end it is not just some cheap sensational reveal that you'd find in every other show. The climax stays true to the logical and realistic rules that you'd expect such a universe to follow. It's so simple, yet so effective. My mind is blown.

Many people have suffered tremendously at the hands of pharmaceutical companies and their phase tests to map the drug. We should expect something similar with all the other emerging techs whether it be A.I., VR, Genetic Design, Biotechnology or nanotechnology. It's in people's nature to be careless. And the consequences of carelessness with such powerful technologies are going to be tremendous.

This show has chosen to be the voice of reason and caution amidst such exaggerated excitement because it has identified with the lack of such awareness and critical thinking. We'd soon be in dire need of such pragmatism.