IN A NUTSHELL:
I was excited to watch this movie to learn a little bit more about virtual reality. One of my sons is a 3D computer animation artist for a popular video game company and he is very interested in VR. Every time he comes to visit us from out of state, he brings all of his VR equipment so we can play his fun games. I've even walked the streets of various cities around the world in virtual reality. It's mind-blowing how detailed the technology has gotten. He's currently designing some "characters" that will soon be for sale in virtual reality stores. He's extremely talented and so I know he's going to have a lucrative side hustle. I'll let you know as soon as they're available for sale!
But when it comes to hanging out in a VR chat room, I've never done that, so I was curious to see what it was like. This interesting documentary allows you to experience the environment and understand why it is so appealing to thousands of players around the world.
THINGS I LIKED:
How awesome is it that someone can create a movie in their bedroom by filming clips of virtual reality encounters?
The scenes take us to many different kinds of locations in virtual reality. We get to ride in a bumpy car, look out over beautiful landscapes, feel the vibes in a dance club, learn skills in various classes, be there when a guy proposes to a girl, attend a wedding, and more!
There are some very touching moments of honest connection and genuine support as people go through some of life's big experiences.
You really get a sense that people are truly making friends all over the world and meeting people they would have never had the opportunity to get to know in any other way.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
In terms of classic storytelling, the movie doesn't follow the successful pattern at all.
It might have been nice to explain to newbs like me how the virtual reality chat rooms work at the beginning of the movie. The first few scenes can be a bit jarring and confusing for viewers who have never been in VR before.
I wanted to hear more about the first time the featured couple got to meet each other in real life. For example, did they physically look like they had imagined one another?
Sometimes, the technology is glitchy. I'm sure it will just continue to improve every year.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
LOTS of female characters in very sexy clothing with tons of skin and cleavage shown.
Talk of gender identity
Talk of suicide and depression
Virtual kissing
THEMES:
Belonging
Connection
Romance
Sign language
Community
Self-confidence
Depression
Suicide
Disabilities
Gender
Trauma