Joe Hunting’s “We Met in Virtual Reality” is the rare documentary filmed entirely in an online world. He studies the type of space — specifically, a platform called VRChat — where people hang out “in person” as avatars of their choice. It’s a place of acceptance and social ease, and while it may not look as mind-blowing as the fantasy realms portrayed in science fiction, it’s clearly no less liberating.
Cannily designed as an observational documentary, the film accompanies a few regulars and also follows a few relationships. Activities include chatting in a bar, learning belly dancing or sign language in a class, going on a dinosaur safari and rocking out to music in a club. Despite the virtual setting, the venues lean into bodily endeavors, as well as special occasions that foster community, such as a birthday or wedding.
Avatars tend to have anime character physiques, lovingly (and sometimes bodacically) crafted. The bustling landscape can be slightly trippy in its fun, lo-fi glitch: at one point, the sweeping vantage point reveals that a voice we hear is from a Kermit the Frog lookalike.
The prevailing mood is sweet and lovingly silly. But again and again we hear how life-changing virtual reality can be, creating a sanctuary for recovery (from depression, alcoholism, grief) and acceptance (for non-binary visitors, for example. , and for people of all abilities).
Hunting’s documentary catches up to where many people find their dreams come true and understand that sometimes the dream is just to be yourself.
We met in virtual reality
Unclassified. Duration: 1h31. Watch on HBO Max.
