In ‘Black Mirror’ Season 7, Netflix’s Tech Drama Has Maudlin Lows and Grisly Highs: TV Review

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Delving into the second installment of the latest “Black Mirror” season, I found myself uttering a disgruntled sigh. The premiere of this new series had taken me on an intricate exploration of one woman’s harrowing encounter with the medical-technological world, a somber, gradual descent into her tormenting nightmare. In this second episode, another woman appears to be in grave danger, and we are led there at a painstakingly slow pace, through a progressive journey of insanity. As a longtime admirer of “Black Mirror” since its initial days, when its consistent tone scrutinized humanity with sharp, unyielding humor; its recent forays into innovation seem to have steered it towards a realm of pessimism.

I didn’t have to be anxious about it. Although the initial episode, “Common People,” was a struggle, the rest of the season, particularly the second one titled “Bête Noire,” which defied my expectations and then did so again, shows that the creative freedom that “Black Mirror” has shown in recent times is beneficial.

In this episode titled “Common People,” Rashida Jones’ character experiences a life-saving medical intervention following an emergency, which ironically, ends up causing more problems than it solves in her life. This situation is portrayed as distressing, yet the reasoning behind why we are watching this particular story remains unclear. The technology aspect becomes overemphasized, and while Jones’ character’s struggles within her circumstances are evident (who wouldn’t struggle in such a situation?), they also feel somewhat predictable or cliche.

Simultaneously, “Bête Noire” and “Plaything” stand out. In “Bête Noire,” we follow two high-school acquaintances, Siena Kelly and Rosy McEwen, who reunite years later. Interestingly, the once social outcast lands a job at her former popular peer’s workplace, leading to a series of events that showcase a sharp, biting wit, and an increasing willingness to portray deep-seated bitterness and harshness mirroring its characters. “Plaything” offers a somewhat less successful but equally captivating tale, where a man on society’s fringe, played by Peter Capaldi, is interrogated over a cold case. He reveals the impact of a video game on his mental state, suggesting it either drove him insane or provided him with an unusual perspective.

In this series, “Black Mirror,” it seems to excel when less known celebrities are featured, rather than famous names like Peter Capaldi who is recognized for his roles in “The Thick of It” and “Doctor Who.” This might just be a coincidence, as none of the episodes in this season are centered around the star’s image, unlike the series-low episode featuring Miley Cyrus (Season 5’s “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too,” from 2019). However, it could also be that for the kind of storytelling Charlie Brooker mastered in the show’s early seasons, a certain knack for blending into the narrative is crucial. In the episode “Hotel Reverie,” where an A-list actress (Issa Rae) experiences an AI-enhanced reenactment of a classic film, viewers with a discerning eye might notice some inaccuracies about the industry and be distracted by the various star personas. Emma Corrin portrays the leading lady in this movie, while Awkwafina takes on a role that seems too grand for her as the tech expert ensuring the stars stick to their scripts. The question remains: will she manage to keep them on track?

The “Hotel Reverie” appears to revisit elements of one of the most memorable episodes from “Black Mirror”, but instead of serving as a necessary continuation, it feels more like an impressive display of style rather than a compelling narrative progression. In contrast, the sequel episode “USS Callister: Into Infinity” blew me away with its innovative take on the original’s concept, pushing beyond the apparent limitations of its predecessor. The initial “USS Callister”, from 2017, revolved around a group of ensigns in a spaceship who were actually digital clones being held captive by a tech genius, forced to cater to his every desire. Notably, the sequel introduces a new antagonist and offers a fresh direction for its story that doesn’t just retread old ground.

In my opinion, “Black Mirror” truly shines at its core. The early seasons were particularly strong due to their consistent use of a cold, amused sarcasm, portraying smartphones, laptops, and tablets as mere mirrors revealing our inherent flaws. Although some later episodes have showcased intense emotional displays, like “Common People,” or complex genre puzzles such as “Hotel Reverie,” the series still manages to explore uncharted territories. Contrary to popular belief that celebrity involvement can diminish the quality of “Black Mirror,” episodes like “Eulogy” with Paul Giamatti’s exceptional acting performance demonstrate that this rule isn’t always set in stone. In “Eulogy,” Giamatti, playing a character in late middle age, seeks to rebuild a significant romantic relationship using AI assistance by digitally interacting with old photographs.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that “Black Mirror” never ceases to amaze me, and episode X is no exception. Instead of focusing on the technology, which is merely a backdrop in the best episodes, it’s James Giamatti’s raw, gradual unveiling of pretensions and hidden truths that truly captivates.

In this story, we witness Giamatti’s character coming to terms with his role in the demise of their relationship, and the things he was unable or unwilling to see. It’s these moments of self-realization and revelation that make “Black Mirror,” a series that has become synonymous with unpredictability, truly worthwhile.

What sets this episode apart is not just what we know it’s capable of delivering, but the instances where it seems to be surprising itself, pushing boundaries and challenging expectations in ways that keep me coming back for more.

Season 7 of “Black Mirror” is now streaming on Netflix

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2025-04-10 10:18