Seriously, it’s a legitimate question. What? Haven’t heard of it? Let me enlighten you. The popular series focuses on individual tales (per episode) that take place in the near future where our collective unease with a technological based society is examined. I’d like to think of it as a modernized “The Twilight Zone” or “Outer Limits” but more believable.
A Little Background
The series was created in 2011 by Charles Brooker and was showcased on Britain’s Channel 4 (Britain’s Public Service Channel). The series eventually made its way to American audiences and ultimately Netflix. In fact, Netflix actually commissioned the third season of the series, which just debuted on October 21, 2016. You can catch the show in its entirety on Netflix streaming.
Note: Every unique episode is around an hour long.
Season 1 (2011): 3 episodes
Season 2 (2013): 4 episodes
Special (2014): 1 episode
Season 3 (2016): 6 episodes
Wait, you didn’t say what’s so great about it!
Yeah, I know. I’m getting there. Every one of these ‘tales’ are relevant. They each are an exaggeration of where we could be tomorrow. Furthermore, this notion is carried out in different genres – thriller, parody, horror, and even a relationship drama or two.
The series taps into society’s subconscious and our underlying paranoia while also reflecting on how technology will transform how we relate with people and the world. With this, the series doesn’t just apply to a certain demographic.
Not So Random Thought: With the leaps and bounds in technology, we are becoming less and less aware of the implications that come as a result.
Some of the notable episodes include:
– “The Entire History of You” – This chronicles a couple unraveling due to eye technology that literally records everything. You can imagine the myriad of problems that can come as a result.
– “Shut Up and Dance” – This center’s on a teenager after being hacked and bribed to do unspeakable things.
– “Nosedive” – A woman unravels after trying to get rated as high as possible on a People App. This is a personal favorite of mine. In fact, there is an app, like the one depicted, that now exists. It’s called ‘Peeple’ and it sounds just as dangerous (and stupid) as one might expect.
On top of all of that, the sheer scope, performances and incredible directors (Joe Wright even took the helm for an episode – “Atonement”) are to behold. Charles Brooker actually wrote most all of these episodes and it’s hard for me to fathom such a gifted (or warped) mind is responsible for such rich, plausible stories.
Let’s not forget about the performances either. They all do exceptional work here. The latest season has Bryce Dallas Howard, Alice Eve, Wyatt Russell (that’s Kurt Russell’s kid), Michael Kelly (Doug from “House of Cards”), Jerome Flynn (“Game of Thrones”), and Mackenzie Davis (“Halt and Catch Fire”).
So, if you like provocative story lines with a top notch production then look no further than “Black Mirror”.
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