If you’re anything like me, you’ve been thinking “You know, I don’t have enough things stressing me out in life. So I’m going to start watching a TV show that completely stresses me out and makes me overthink everything that’s happening in the world and my life.”
Say “Hello” to Black Mirror.
Did I just sell it to you? I think I did. I mean, how could a stressful show not totally entice you?
Anyway, let’s back up a bit.
Like everyone else, I enjoy a good binge watch. I also enjoy a good movie, and with Black Mirror I feel like I got a little bit of both.
Have no idea what I’m talking about? Let me explain.
Black Mirror is “centered around dark and satirical themes that examine modern society, particularly with regard to the unanticipated consequences of new technologies”. Thanks Wikipedia, you summed it up perfectly. Each episode is a standalone story that takes place in a not so distant future and essentially shows a new kind of technology. Every episode I found myself wondering “would I use that?” or “Oh man, that could totally happen.” It was a bit weird at times actually.
On top of that, each episode I managed to recognize at least one British actor I adored (the show was created by a Brit and the first two seasons were on BBC, Netflix picked up season three and it’s more Americanized but peppered with great cameos). Seriously, it was like a Where’s Waldo of good actors and fascinating stories.
Because the episodes can be watched out of order I’ll share my five favorites (in no particular order, because I can’t actually pick a favorite):
- “Be Right Back” Season 2, Episode 1. Besides the fact that this episode features the fabulous Hayley Atwell and Domhnall Gleeson, I loved this one because it truly makes you look at how we handle love and grief.
- “The Entire History of You” Season 1, Episode 3. Oh, this one is a doozy. Want to overthink every interaction and relationship you’ve ever had in your life? Welcome to this episode.
- “Nosedive” Season 3, Episode 1. As a society, are we too reliant on ratings and social media scores? Bryce Dallas Howard stars (and was nominated!) in this episode about just how far we’ll go to climb the social ladder.
- “Hated in the Nation” Season 3, Episode 6. I am afraid of bees and this episode legitimately tapped into this fear. It also looks into how we go along with things without truly knowing them. This episode still haunts me, in the best way.
- “San Junipero” Season 3, Episode 4. I love the love of this episode. It explores race, sexuality, youth and mortality all in an hour.
So, what are you waiting for? Go watch Black Mirror on Netflix and come back to talk to me about it. Because I really want to talk about it.
Have you watched Black Mirror?
WRITTEN BY KATELIN
Katelin’s Current Obsessions:
Red wine. Peanut butter M&Ms. Words with Friends. Anything British (especially Charlie Hunnam). Road trips. Seeing how many days she can go without wearing actual pants. Drinking too much coffee on a daily basis. Country music. Bloodline. Only buying what’s on her shopping list at Target (it never happens, but she’s obsessed with the potential that it might).
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Katelin loves all things pop culture and thinks Keanu Reeves is a national treasure. Kevin Costner laughed at her once. She can usually be found binge watching TV shows or reading a YA book when her son is napping. Her life motto is “WWTTD – What would Tami Taylor do?” Follow @Katelin
