L.E. Staiman’s “Love Virtually” movie hits screens today, November 7, shedding light on a world where the metaverse has seamlessly integrated into people’s lives.
The film delves into the reminiscence of pandemic-induced limitations, as people sought solace in apps and VR, exploring digital lifelike experiences and forging connections.
Conceived during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, filmmaker L.E. Staiman tackled the challenges of filming by introducing actors to a virtual reality stage. As the concept evolved, the film blurred the lines between reality and the virtual realm, unraveling intricate digital relationships.
Love Virtually unveils a tale of individuals who embrace the metaverse in their quest for love and refuge from the mundane realities of life, illustrating the contemporary impact of technology on both platonic and romantic relationships.
The cast boasts renowned actors such as Adam Ray, Cheri Oteri, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Tom Virtue, among others.
The film weaves a tapestry of stories, featuring characters like Angela (Ksenia Valenti), who engages in an affair with a chatbot AI, and Dr. Evelyn (Cheri Oteri) and Dr. Divine (Stephen Tobolowsky), who nurture a wholly virtual relationship within the metaverse.
The movie makes its debut today and is accessible via various media streaming platforms, like Hoopla and Amazon Video.
While Love Virtually represents a pioneering cinematic exploration of the metaverse, it’s not the first instance of the entertainment industry merging with Web3 technologies to deliver innovative experiences to audiences.
In recent developments, The Sandbox has announced a partnership with Banijay, the rights holder of the popular Netflix series “Black Mirror” and “Peaky Blinders,” bringing these series to the metaverse.
Furthermore, on November 1, Sony Pictures, in collaboration with Spyglass Media Group and MeetKai, introduced “Survive Thanksgiving,” a metaverse experience aligned with the upcoming horror film “Thanksgiving,” offering fans an immersive adventure.