Common People

by

Warning: SPOILERS for Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 1 – “Common People,” are in play.

Netflix’s Black Mirror isn’t your typical feel-good series; it often delves into grim, thought-provoking narratives about our modern relationship with technology. While Charlie Brooker’s anthology does include some optimistic episodes, it’s primarily known for its stark moral tales that reflect our contemporary obsession with technology. Given the intensity of the storyline for Season 7, airing in 2025, it speaks volumes that it was placed as the opening act.

Get ready, particularly if you found “Beyond The Sea’s” heart-wrenching ending from Season 6 to be a tearjerker. What I witnessed in the premiere of Black Mirror Season 7, titled “Common People,” has given a chilling twist to the frustrating practice of streaming services hiking their subscription fees – it’s now been transformed into something far more ominous and potentially lethal.

Common People May Be Black Mirror’s Bleakest Hour

In simpler terms, the quick summary for the premiere of Season 7 of “Black Mirror” revolves around Mike (Chris O’Dowd) and Amanda (Rashida Jones). A medical crisis results in severe brain damage for Amanda. The episode titled “Common People” then unfolds as her spouse, Mike, resorts to using the technological services provided by a company named Rivermind, due to this unfortunate incident.

The offer is hard to resist: an advanced, cloud-operated device mirroring the functionality of specific regions in the brain, as corporate representative Gaynor (played by Tracee Ellis Ross) outlines towards the end of her persuasive presentation.

To clarify, the cost is lower than many might expect, as we are focused on increasing adoption. Consequently, our pricing is quite affordable. Furthermore, the procedure itself comes at no charge.

Given that our world, which has instilled apprehension towards social media, advanced technology like robotics, and immersive experiences such as video games, this tale seems to be heading in a predictable direction. Yet, it’s precisely the poignant exploration of “Common People” that makes it a moving, thought-provoking journey.

Every challenge that intensifies the situation seems certain to worsen Amanda’s condition and make Mike increasingly frantic. To my surprise, the part of the story where I expected a confrontation – their usual anniversary trip to “The Juniper” – turned out to be inconsequential instead.

As Rivermind’s services are modified during regular discussions with Gaynor, the price increases while the available features diminish. Instead of a monotonous dispute about a routine that Amanda has grown tired of, there is a more somber situation.

The expensive price tag of Rivermind is what leaves me astonished at how aggressively this Netflix add-on can be offered. Upon reconsideration, it’s clear that this statement mirrors the situation with Netflix.

A new mail-based rental service, striving to compete in the streaming market, offers free trials and budget-friendly rates to attract customers. Although it may not be explicitly mentioned within the storyline, the underlying message is suggested through a simple analogy: just as established subscription services tend to increase prices and restrict certain features, our new service aims to provide affordable access without such limitations.

Black Mirror Season 7’s Preoccupation With Subscription Models Hits Hardest Here

In the anthology of Season 6, the narrative satirically critiques its own streaming service’s business practices. However, in “Common People,” this lens is applied to a vital sector: healthcare. Despite the shortcomings evident in this Black Mirror premiere, Amanda’s well-being deteriorates significantly.

One significant example depicted in the cryptic Season 7 trailer is where Rashida Jones’ character transforms into a marketing platform within her workplace. Occasionally, sudden and unexpected power outages cause Amanda to miss brief periods of time, during which she endorses various products ranging from coffee to family counseling services with a religious slant.

As a movie critic, I found myself deeply engrossed in the tale of our protagonist. To maintain even a semblance of everyday living, she must elevate her subscription from the original Rivermind Common to the premium tier – Rivermind Plus, offering an ad-free experience and expanded coverage. This predicament pushes Mike towards some drastic measures to afford this life-changing solution, treading a path that echoes the dark reality of “Fifteen Million Merits,” a chilling portrayal from Black Mirror’s debut season on the exploitation of people by the entertainment industry.

And without even mentioning the dreadfulness of Rivermind Lux yet, here’s a hint: you’ll soon find out about its challenges on your own. However, I strongly advise you to put a temporary hold on the medical ad parody within the presentation. The fine print contains a hidden joke that could lighten up an otherwise grim situation. Be sure to read it carefully for a well-timed chuckle.

Reminded of the controversial decision by Netflix to eliminate the ‘Basic Tier’, that instance might stir memories for you. Similarly, the discontent expressed over Amazon Prime introducing ads for users not opting for any change in their plan resonates with Chris O’Dowd’s anger towards Rivermind’s plan modification, as he feels it disregards those loyal patrons who contributed to the establishment of the foundation.

Just like Season 6’s “Joan is Awful” criticized Netflix’s approach to production and distribution, the piece titled “Common People” critiques the escalating costs in entertainment industries and draws a parallel with healthcare expenses. Personally, as someone who is neurodivergent and has Type 1 diabetes, I strongly oppose the idea of being forced to endure commercial breaks while trying to manage my health care needs.

In the debut episode of Black Mirror‘s Season 7, a seemingly minor issue has been brought to life in a very tangible way. Regrettably, while this portrayal of speculative fiction isn’t yet a part of everyday existence, as you will learn from this IEEE Spectrum article, creators Charlie Brooker and Bisha K. Ali may be closer to the truth than people might think.

Fundamentally, “Common People” stands as a powerful demonstration of Charlie Brooker and his team’s ability to elicit deep emotions through their fictional narratives, making it difficult for reality to mirror their stories. Therefore, it is fitting that this piece serves as the opening episode, while “USS Callister Into Infinity” acts as the conclusion, given its emotional resonance.

Featuring standout performances from Rashida Jones, Chris O’Dowd, and Tracee Ellis Ross, this story navigates a delicate balance between humor and sorrow – but the sadness eventually becomes too heavy to dismiss. In a society where being ordinary seems like a disadvantage, life feels slightly more harsh and unfeeling.

You don’t have to rely solely on my statement; instead, feel free to verify it yourself, as all six episodes of Season 7 for the series Black Mirror are currently available for streaming on Netflix. This is true regardless of your subscription plan. Also, brace yourself for recurring comments about subscription costs, as they’re a prominent theme in this season.

Read More

2025-04-11 03:07