Created by independent studio Future Artists, director Mark Ashmore gives us a five-part webseries exploring the concept of a virtual world that is so readily available that anyone can become hooked on it. At the heart of Portal we have alternative universes, advanced technologies and one very addictive game. This unique webseries offers us something that isn’t too far from what society wants now; addiction might be a term used flippantly, but it's a real term that causes real damage. Portal is an addiction, so much so they have banned it. This game offers the chance to enter a surreal universe so perfect, so great compared to your current lifestyle, that the authorities have put a stop to anyone using it.
The most prominent message here is that these can be people’s utopias, but at the same time a very dystopian view of the world is created. Portal’s main downfall has to do with the script. Initially it seems the calibre of actors was letting this series down, but the main culprit was the dialogue they were given to work with. That's not to say the entire script fell flat on its face, it’s just that at times it was lacking in certain substance and real essence that this subject would have benefitted from greatly.
After all, this is a universe that has been banned – wouldn’t you want to perambulate through its deepest, darkest places?
Catch Portal online now on Dailymotion.