Joe Hunting’s “We Metin Virtual Reality” is a rare documentary filmed in a completely online world. It explores spaces where people “directly” hang out as their chosen avatar, specifically a platform called VRChat. It’s an acceptable, socially peaceful place, and while it may not seem as bent as the fantasy realm depicted in science fiction, it’s clearly liberating.
Cleverly devised as an observation documentary, the film tags with a few regulars and tracks several relationships. Activities include chatting in the bar, learning belly dancing and sign language in class, attending dinosaur safaris, and vibrating music in the club. Despite the virtual settings, the locale is leaning towards physical effort as well as special occasions to foster a community, such as birthdays and weddings.
Avatar has the physique of an anime character and tends to be lovingly (and sometimes boldly) self-made. Animated landscapes can be a bit trippy and entertaining with lo-fi glitches. At some point, the point of view pans and you can see that the voice you hear comes from Kermit’s look-alike.
The predominant mood is sweet and affectionately Dorkie. But I’ve heard many times how VR can change my life, for recovery (from depression, alcoholism, grief) and acceptance (eg, non-binary visitors and people of all abilities). Make a sanctuary.
Hunting documentaries understand that many people catch up with their dreams and that dreams can simply be themselves.
I met in virtual reality
Unrated. Execution time: 1 hour 31 minutes. Please see on HBO Max.
