If it hasn't been obvious already, I am a big fan of film and television. In fact, my dream job is to be a screenwriter. I tend to veer more towards movies when I have free time, but recently a certain show became an exception to the rule.
"Black Mirror" is a show that was added to Netflix a few months ago. It was originally aired on British television for two seasons, and when Netflix bought it out, those two seasons arrived on their website in addition to a new third season that aired in late October. It is called a modern day Twilight Zone by many, and I find that to be incredibly accurate. Each episode is a completely different narrative with new characters that delves into the potential dangers of the technological advancements in our society.
I am ashamed but also at the same time not ashamed to admit that I watched all thirteen episodes in 24 hours. Like I mentioned before, I usually go for movies when I decide to watch Netflix, but this show completely took over my life and hypnotized me in a sense. Each episode is so different from one another, but they all take a shot at some aspect of technology today and the dark paths that they could potentially lead us down. Charlie Brooker, the creater and writer of the series went as far to describe the show as "the way we might be living in ten minutes' time if we're clumsy."
The show displays to us with each episode a dystopian culture with technology being the root cause of each. Every single episode is so intense that sometimes my mom would walk into the room and see me staring off into the distance, trying to process what on earth I had just watched on my television.
While each episode incorporates futuristic technology, they will also spark deep emotion within the viewers. Some episodes are absolutely terrifying, while others are absolutely heartbreaking. There are so many twists and turns in every episode, and it is fair to say that each of them end in the most unexpected and horrific way. I know I'm making it seem rather dark-- because, well, it is, but the show is an overall work of genius that I plan on rewatching many times.
My plan was to give my opinion on my top pick of my favorite episode of the thirteen, but I found it to be actually impossible to choose just one. Every episode is just so different and has so much depth and emotion in it that it was way harder than I expected it to be. Therefore, I will give you all high recommendations for a few.
"Nosedive", the first episode of the third season, was the episode that seemed the most relatable. It explores the idea that we have become so engrossed in our image on social media and how it's essentially taking over our lives.
"The Entire History Of You", the last episode of the first season, is one that leaves you sitting in silence pondering what on earth we are setting this world up for. It introduces a society where a small implant can document and record every waking moment of their lives, with the ability to go back and play back any of them at any time. It may seem convenient at the beginning, but oh, how we are proven wrong.
Lastly, "White Christmas", a Christmas special from the second season, is one that was rather confusing for me, but at the end left me speechless. There are three interconnected stories within the episode. It gives "blocking" someone a whole new meaning.
There are also ten more episodes that are so well written and well worth watching. I could not give this series a higher recommendation.
