Black Mirror Season 7 Review: Heartfelt Drama That Misses The Show’s Sci-Fi Edge

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Have I been pondering if ‘Black Mirror‘ still holds relevance lately? Absolutely! This question has crossed my mind while watching the latest season of Netflix’s long-running anthology series, as it did during the previous two seasons. The quality of episodes has varied compared to the acclaim that Charlie Brooker’s thought-provoking and tech-centric tales from the early years garnered. Since “Black Mirror” first premiered over a decade ago, the divide between current and future technology has shrunk noticeably. The ideas presented in the early 2010s seemed extraordinary, large-scale, and visionary; however, they don’t carry the same impact today. This can be seen as both a testament to the show’s success and a criticism of its current standing.

Over the last 14 years, marked by swift technological advancements, creators’ narratives have progressively mirrored real-world events (and it’s uncanny how certain “Black Mirror” episodes seem to foretell technology’s future). The tales in Season 7 appear more limited in scale as they could potentially become reality at any moment, in some form or another; a double-edged sword for a series that takes pride in creating plausible yet still imaginative speculative science fiction.

Despite Brooker consistently delivering compelling and skillful writing, it leaves one pondering whether these latest episodes should carry the “Black Mirror” brand instead of existing as standalone films outside this universe. To clarify, they are superbly written and performed – offering a more emotional payoff than the previous two seasons combined – but they seem to deviate further from the central theme of “Black Mirror,” and its underlying message. In essence, these stories focus on very human experiences with a hint of future elements.

More grim, melancholy, and tragic than ever

Season 7 of “Black Mirror” opens with the tale of Mike (Chris O’Dowd) and Amanda (Rashida Jones), a loving yet financially strapped duo, who experience an unexpected tragedy as Amanda falls into a coma due to an unnoticed brain tumor. In steps biotech company Rivermind, proposing a life-saving solution: an organic implant in her skull that could revive her, but for the catch of a $300 monthly subscription fee. There are more conditions too – she must reside within a specific region or risk deactivation, and she’ll also need to sleep additional hours compared to normal. These are just the initial restrictions from Rivermind, as they plan on introducing further limitations to pressure the couple into upgrading their subscription for a “normal” life.

This critique primarily targets subscription services like Netflix itself, pointing out how large corporations manipulate consumers by gradually removing previously free features and transforming them into premium options. It’s a harsh, capitalistic reality that feels dismal and suits the overall mood of pessimism for the upcoming episodes.

Episode 2 maintains a relentless, albeit ordinary, narrative of disenchanted vengeance, paving the way for the extraordinary, captivating, and thought-provoking concept introduced in Episode 3 titled “Hotel Reverie.” The storyline cleverly employs the fantasy of stepping into a vintage film to assume the leading role, while becoming familiar with a digital representation of the remaining characters. This unique setup offers the opportunity to deviate from the initial plot and experience love in an alternate reality that gradually seems more authentic than expected. This episode is likely to be cherished (similar to “San Junipero”) due to its emotional depth, romantic elements, and vulnerability, with Issa Rae and Emma Corrin leading the way in delivering these powerful emotions.

The fourth installment, titled “Plaything,” endeavors to delve into the mysterious and unsettling aspects of the show, centering around a peculiar and disquieting suspect (portrayed by Peter Capaldi with an eccentric wig) who is excessively intrigued by a ’90s video game that spawned artificial life forms. Regrettably, “Plaything” doesn’t quite achieve the desired level of intrigue or thought-provokingness. Instead, it seems to fall short and leaves little lasting impression despite boasting an impressive cast.

Season 7 deals with matters of the heart

As a devoted fan, I must say that the fifth episode of this season, titled “Eulogy,” stands out as an extraordinary deviation from the norm. With scarcely any technology in sight, it transforms into a poignant, endearing, and tear-jerking romantic drama that beautifully showcases Paul Giamatti’s neurotic yet captivating charm. It’s almost like watching a one-man play about bittersweet memories, regrets, and life-altering decisions, all triggered by the recollection of an old love affair. By the time the credits roll, you might find yourself with a heart heavy with emotion. “Eulogy” is raw, honest, and heartfelt – a rarity in the world of Black Mirror – offering a unique, indie-film experience that may appeal to a different audience than typically found within this anthology. It’s a treasure worthy of being a full-length feature film gracing the silver screen.

Into Infinity,” which is episode 6 of Black Mirror’s latest season, serves as a follow-up to the popular Season 4 premiere. This episode explores themes that are fundamental to Black Mirror, such as standalone stories within a single episode. The creators seem to have aimed for a grand comeback, appealing to long-time viewers with a touch of nostalgia. Essentially, it’s a tribute to the fans. While it might not offer anything new in terms of ideas, it’s undeniably entertaining. The main cast reprised their roles, and given their professional growth since 2017, they deliver impressive performances. Whether the script matches the effort put forth by the actors is another matter entirely.

Is the current format viable if most new stories stray from the original themes that once characterized the show? While I appreciate the more emotional and character-driven narratives, I can’t help but miss the ambitious, out-of-this-world concepts that Charlie Brooker previously crafted. This version of “Black Mirror” might not be what long-time fans are accustomed to, but given the chance to bring these stories to life on screen, it is worthwhile. Still, I understand why devoted followers may not be as accepting or enthusiastic about this thematic change as I am.

“Black Mirror” Season 7 is available to stream on Netflix.

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2025-04-10 10:00