Black Mirror Season 7: Critics Weigh In

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Almost two years later, Charlie Brooker’s science fiction anthology series “Black Mirror” is back on Netflix’s 2025 schedule with six fresh episodes full of cautionary tales and technology-themed investigations. Critics got a sneak peek at “Black Mirror” Season 7 before its air date, and there’s consensus among them about which episode every fan should make a point to watch.

Similar to how previous seasons have, Season 7 boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Peter Capaldi, Issa Rae, Emma Corrin, Paul Giamatti, Tracee Ellis Ross and more, suggesting that Black Mirror continues to excel in its casting choices. But where does this seventh installment rank among the other seasons of Black Mirror? Discover what critics have to say about the season as a whole – currently streaming on Netflix with a subscription – and their thoughts on its standout episodes.

According to Jenna Scherer from AV Club, this season earns a B+ overall. She describes “Common People” as a powerful opener that resonates more profoundly than ever. However, it’s the episode titled “Eulogy,” featuring Paul Giamatti, that Scherer recommends viewers prioritize above all else.

As a devoted movie critic, I wholeheartedly recommend that you make ‘Eulogy’ your pick for one episode from this season’s captivating Black Mirror anthology. Unlike traditional episodic storytelling, you can easily immerse yourself in Black Mirror by choosing any episode without worrying about missing crucial plot points.

‘Eulogy,’ a deeply moving and subtly powerful installment, takes a poignant look at the intricate tapestry of human relationships rather than the usual focus on technology and its impact. The story masterfully delves into themes of memory, regret, and their profound effects on our emotional bonds with one another.

Unlike other episodes in this series that often leave viewers feeling cold and detached, ‘Eulogy’ provides a satisfying dose of bittersweet emotional resonance. If you crave a thought-provoking viewing experience that stirs your heart as well as your intellect, do not miss out on ‘Eulogy.’

According to Samantha Nelson from IGN, Season 7 of the show received an impressive rating of 8 out of 10, with “Eulogy” being the standout episode. Nelson praises the season for having no weak links and specifically points out the thought-provoking episode “Common People,” which criticizes those who find despair amusing. Additionally, she notes that “USS Callister: Into Infinity” serves as a genuine sequel to Black Mirror, paying homage to Star Trek. Regarding “Eulogy,” Nelson’s review is particularly positive.

The trip down memory lane, skillfully orchestrated by Chris Barrett and Luke Taylor, sees old photographs gradually sharpening or bursting into vibrant color as Philip recalls past events he had wished to forget and comes to terms with his part in the separation. This role, reminiscent of Giamatti’s style, offers a solitary, grumpy character who might harbor kindness deep within; and as expected, he delivers an impressive portrayal of the emotional transformation flawlessly.

According to Liz Shannon Miller from Consequence, Season 7 contains both outstanding and disappointing episodes, resulting in a somewhat inconsistent viewing experience. However, she highly recommends the episode titled “Eulogy” as its standout.

The standout episode of the season, as per Netflix’s recommended viewing sequence, is titled ‘Eulogy’. This episode features Paul Giamatti portraying an elderly man who discovers that a former girlfriend has died, and her family are using advanced technology to collect memories for a unique, immersive memorial service. ‘Eulogy’ showcases Black Mirror at its finest: a deeply emotional story with a strong technological twist, boasting a compelling performance by Giamatti, and an ending that will genuinely move you to tears.

Chris Evangelista from SlashFilm shares similar sentiments, giving the season a 5 out of 10 rating and implying that Charlie Brooker might be running low on creative ideas. In “Eulogy,” a person can revisit the past by stepping into old photos, though the storyline is somewhat predictable, the critic notes, praising the performance of the two-time Oscar nominee.

Without a doubt, ‘Eulogy’ is worth watching, especially for Paul Giamatti’s outstanding performance. Known for his exceptional talent, Giamatti shines in this film as the lonely character, Philip, who discovers that an old flame has passed away. Although we can predict where the story is headed, it takes Philip longer to reach that point. Regardless, Giamatti delivers a powerful portrayal of Philip’s emotional journey through past memories. I was also captivated by the distinct visual aesthetic crafted by directors Chris Barrett and Luke Taylor, as Philip appears in various photographs throughout the movie. Unfortunately, I felt that the story could have been more impactful overall.

Daniel D’Addario from Variety praises Paul Giamatti’s portrayal in “Eulogy” as one of the most outstanding acting performances in a series, playing a man who employs artificial intelligence to rekindle a significant romantic relationship. Further, D’Addario remarks that this performance stands out as exceptional.

The real fascination lies not in the technology, as every top-tier Black Mirror episode demonstrates; instead, it’s about Giamatti’s gradual stripping away of his facades and deceptions as he acknowledges his role in ending the relationship and the truths he had previously overlooked. This is what makes Black Mirror, a series that has become an eclectic mix at this stage of its production but continues to captivate with its capacity for unexpected twists, worthwhile viewing. It’s not just about the things we expect it to excel in, but rather, the instances where the show appears to surprise itself.

According to Matthew Creith of The Wrap, the episode titled “Common People” offers an intriguing perspective on how technology ties us to devices and people, yet simultaneously distorts our perception of affordability.

In a delightful follow-up to the 2018 interactive film, “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch”, “Plaything” ventures back into its universe. Yet it’s the impressive acting, particularly Cristin Milioti’s in “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” that truly makes Season 7 a must-watch, as Creith puts it.

The main reason Black Mirror Season 7 resonates so deeply on multiple levels is largely due to the dedication shown by each cast member in every episode. Stars like Issa Rae, Emma Corrin, Awkwafina, Michele Austin, and Paul Giamatti feature prominently across several episodes of the season, but ‘USS Callister: Into Infinity’ stands out as a testament to exceptional acting. It masterfully integrates stunning visual effects with Milioti’s outstanding performance, showcasing acting at its peak.

As a viewer, it’s only expected that the episodes of “Black Mirror” will resonate differently for each one of us. However, it’s hard to dismiss the buzz surrounding Paul Giamatti’s performance in “Eulogy.” Will this or any other episode from Season 7 end up being among the series’ best? That’s a question you can answer now that all six episodes are streaming on Netflix, and I encourage you to form your own opinions.

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2025-04-10 20:08