If you have a Netflix account, you have probably seen the streaming service’s original film, Bird Box. The thriller, from the novel by Josh Malerman and starring Sandra Bullock, depicts in an apocalyptic world in which survivors must keep themselves blindfolded or risk inevitable death that comes upon the sight of a mysterious evil force.
The film’s popularity (over 45 million streams within seven days) has even inspired fans to bring its concept to reality and get a feel for what Bullock’s character, Marjorie, is forced to do by challenging themselves to complete tasks while blindfolded… much to the chagrin of the streaming service.
Can’t believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE. We don’t know how this started, and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes.
— Netflix (@netflix) January 2, 2019
Netflix’s campaign against the “Bird Box Challenge,” as the controversial trend has been called, is not precautionary as the potential dangers associated with blindfolding one’s self have already been made a reality.
Only in NY #BirdBox #BirdBoxChallenge @NigelDPresents pic.twitter.com/VPemHPdovu
— Tommy (@THOMAS_RE89) December 25, 2018
Nevertheless, since the film’s December 21 release, the trend has spread like wildfire, with several videos of blindfolded participants having been uploaded. One video of two young women taking the challenge over a 24-hour period has acquired over 2 million videos. SPOILER ALERT: those women get hurt.
We have gone from pouring buckets of ice on top of our heads, to eating Tide pods, and now we are blinding ourselves out of admiration for a film. What ridiculous challenge will the Internet think of next?
… Please, do not answer that.
What do you think? Should the immature participants of the “Bird Box Challenge” find a safer way to show their love for the movie, or are you unable to even read this through your blindfold as we speak? Let us know in the comments below!