Netflix has released the seventh season of the popular series. Have the creators managed to please the fans after the failed sixth season?
The first season of “Black Mirror” was released in 2011 and received rave reviews from critics. Almost 15 years later, Netflix has released the long-awaited seventh season, consisting of six episodes, each of which explores the dark sides of modern technology and society.
The series reveals the impact of technological progress on humans, often showing dark and disturbing plots. It’s no secret that past seasons of “Black Mirror” predicted the future: what seemed like a strange and frightening fairy tale has become our reality.
Viewers did not appreciate the previous season: perhaps they were tired of the eternal theme of dark futuristic horror, and modern technology no longer seems so scary at present. That is why in the new season, the author pays more attention to the most terrible villains in our world — people.
The main idea of the authors was to reflect the true human nature, so the seventh season has more intimate and relatable themes: a critique of medicine, capitalism and show business, as well as difficult moments in people’s lives. Interestingly, as in previous seasons, the episodes are not connected by plot and cast, which makes it possible to start watching the new season of “Black Mirror” from any episode.
What did the viewers think?
One of the best episodes, according to viewers, is “Ordinary Couple,” in which a simple teacher, Amanda, agrees to experimental treatment for a brain tumor, and her husband, Mike, fully supports her and subscribes to an expensive service that allows him to save his wife’s life and memory. In the world of new technologies, you have to pay for everything: Amanda needs a monthly subscription, which leads to difficulties in the couple’s relationship due to the family’s tight budget. The main roles are played by Rashida Jones, Chris O’Dowd and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Viewers also highly appreciated the episode “USS Callister: To Infinity” starring Cristin Milioti and Jimmi Simpson. The episode is a continuation of the popular episode “USS Callister” from the fourth season, which won an Emmy Award: the story unfolds in virtual reality, where the characters try to gain freedom and understand their purpose in life, and the game developer and wealthy boss clash in an eternal confrontation due to a thirst for money.
Before you start watching the new season of “Black Mirror,” it is worth watching other episodes of the new season, for example, “Black Beast” tells the story of Maria, who joins a focus group for a new product of her former classmate Verity. Only Maria notices her friend’s strange behavior, but the others completely ignore it. The fifth episode “Eulogy,” starring Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti, is also worth noting. Giamatti’s character discovers a service that allows you to create digital copies of deceased loved ones.
Will “Black Mirror” season 7 garner awards success?
The third episode, “Reverse Hotel,” brought together an excellent cast: Golden Globe winners Emma Corrin and Awkwafina, as well as Emmy Award nominee Issa Rae. According to the plot, actress Brandy participates in a simulation of an old black and white film from 1949 using modern technology. During filming, she falls in love with a colleague, but the romance is not destined to happen — it’s time to return to reality. The episode is filled with the spirit of the Jazz Age in America due to the luxurious scenery and costumes of the main characters.
The seventh season of “Black Mirror” was a success, receiving positive reviews not only for returning to the roots of the series, but also for a deeper exploration of aspects of the human soul and modern society in the realities of technological progress. It is expected that the new season of “Black Mirror” will receive many nominations at the upcoming awards, and will also become one of the most popular in the history of the series.
This article was originally published by Masha Zuikova on the Marie Claire Russia website.
