Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is YouTube's answer to Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, and honestly? It's pretty impressive. Markiplier leveraged his massive platform to create something genuinely innovative—an interactive space adventure with real production value and creative storytelling.

The choose-your-own-adventure format is the star here. Kids aren't just watching; they're actively making decisions and exploring consequences. That's developmentally valuable, even if wrapped in YouTube comedy. The 9.1 IMDb rating isn't just fanboy inflation—this thing has real replay value and creative merit.

That said, it's firmly in the tween/teen zone. Markiplier's humor includes the occasional crude joke and innuendo, and some story paths get surprisingly existential (character deaths, time loops, reality-bending stuff). Nothing traumatizing, but definitely not Bluey.

The YouTube Premium paywall is annoying but does mean better moderation and no ads interrupting the experience. If your kid is already a Markiplier fan, this is one of his better offerings—more ambitious than his typical Let's Play content. If they're not familiar with him, maybe start with a few regular videos to see if his style clicks with your family before committing to the subscription.

Bottom line: A solid pick for digitally-savvy tweens and teens who want something interactive and entertaining. Just know what you're getting into with Markiplier's brand of humor.

Age Fit

Best for tweens and teens (12+) who are already plugged into YouTube culture and appreciate Markiplier's comedy style. The interactive format and sci-fi themes will appeal to middle schoolers who want something more engaging than passive viewing, though older teens and adults can enjoy the creative narrative structure too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Interactive YouTube adventure with Markiplier's signature humor—generally positive and cooperative themes, though his comedy style includes occasional crude jokes and exaggerated reactions. The choose-your-own-adventure format encourages engagement without being chaotic, and the tone stays lighthearted throughout most paths. Some storylines involve existential themes and character deaths (played for comedy), which keeps it from being purely wholesome.

Imaginative

85

Highly creative interactive narrative with multiple branching paths and wormhole scenarios that encourage exploration and replay. The choose-your-own-adventure format invites active participation rather than passive viewing. Features sci-fi concepts, alternate realities, and creative problem-solving scenarios. The format itself is innovative for YouTube content, blending gaming interactivity with cinematic storytelling.

Safe

68

Common Sense Media rates it 12+, suggesting some content concerns. Markiplier's comedy includes mild language, innuendo, and some intense sci-fi scenarios including character deaths (though played comedically). No graphic violence or sexual content, but the interactive format means viewers may encounter unexpected story turns. The YouTube Premium platform is generally well-moderated. Some paths include existential themes and peril that could be unsettling for younger viewers.

Enriching

70

The interactive narrative structure teaches cause-and-effect thinking and decision-making. Encourages critical thinking about choices and their consequences. Explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and problem-solving in creative ways. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than educational. The replay value and multiple storylines do encourage pattern recognition and strategic thinking. Strong entertainment value with a 9.1 IMDb rating and 4.2 Letterboxd score showing audience engagement.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely innovative interactive format that makes viewers active participants in the story rather than passive consumers
Multiple branching paths and endings encourage critical thinking about choices and consequences—kids will want to replay to explore different outcomes
High production value for YouTube content with cinematic quality and creative sci-fi scenarios
Strong appeal for the YouTube generation—Markiplier has a massive following and knows how to engage his audience
Introduces complex narrative concepts like alternate realities and branching timelines in an accessible, entertaining way

⚠

What to Watch For

Markiplier's humor includes occasional crude jokes, mild innuendo, and exaggerated reactions that won't land with every family
Some story paths include character deaths and peril (played comedically, but could still be intense for sensitive younger viewers)
Requires YouTube Premium subscription—not freely available
The interactive format means you can't fully preview what path your kid might take, so some content may surprise you
Best appreciated by kids already familiar with YouTube creator culture and Markiplier's style

Conversation Starters

"Which path did you choose first? What made you pick that option?"
"If you could go back and make different choices, what would you change and why?"
"How do you think the story would be different if you were the captain? What would you do differently?"
"What was the funniest or most unexpected moment in your playthrough?"
"Do you think interactive stories like this are better than regular movies, or just different?"

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