Black Mirror

Plot synopsis:
The show looks inwards, at the darker aspects of humanity and society. This is done through the theme of technology, hence the second meaning. The black mirror is the screen that rules our lives. Taking contemporary phenomena (ranging from the wild popularity of talent shows on TV to the impact of social media and smartphones on our lives) as a starting point and speculate how such phenomena could/would evolve in the future. Each episode tells a different story with different protagonists and focuses on a different theme.There are three episodes, each a bleak and dark story about how the modern, internet and technology filled world could plunge us into hell. The first, is one set in the present. A fictional princess is kidnapped by an unknown person and a video ransom is posted anonymously on YouTube saying that unless the (fictional) prime minister had sexual intercourse with a pig live broadcast on every British television channel in four days, she would be killed.The next episode is one about a hopefully-far future, where everything is commercial and false, and everybody is trapped and must play games to make false money to spend on false objects. They feed out of fake food-dispensing machines, which gives out fake, packaged fruit. It is an entirely commercial world, and there appears to be no outside.It shows two attempts to escape from the drag that life has become, each working, to an extent, before it becomes just as fake and dull as before. The way this is done is by going on an exaggerated, satire of a talent show and winning it. It features a lot of references to how people take the Nintendo Wii and gaming seriously, internet advertising and how wrong it seems and talent contests and how much they are a scam.The third is a dark 'love' story set in the near-future about how wrong it could be if people could re-watch their memories and show others. People seem to be forced to have small chips implanted behind their ears so their vision is being recorded and can be played back on any screen using a small tool and a super-fast, Wi Fi that is everywhere. It's idea is that people could become obsessed with the past and search their memories for tiny details, eventually causing insanity and a bad ending.It follows a man who obsesses over the behaviour of his girlfriend at a party the last night and the idea that she is having an affair with a man he clearly hates who was at the party. It psychologically goes through him trying to find out whether she is having an affair or not, and eventually completely losing it and using the memory-viewer, proves that she is. The 'proof' though, is never revealed to be completely genuine.

Tags: dark, satire

Review:
What makes "Black mirror" so great is the attention to detail and inter/intrapersonal relationships and how the main character would feel and experience its brave new world.
As the show's creator Charlie Brooker ('Dead Set') puts it: "...They (the different stories) are all about the way we live now – and the way we might be living in 10 minutes' time if we're clumsy."The resulting mix of bleak sci-fi, drama, satire and black comedy makes for highly intelligent Television and ranks among the most original and entertaining shows I've ever come across.
Just saw in a review that a guy stopped watching after 20 minutes at the second episode.
Brilliant.Absolutely brilliant.This is NOT anti-utopian, it is an actual mirror of a utopian idea gone terribly wrong.I've only watched 3 episodes so far and each one has made me think, made me go back and look again, made me ask myself why this had never occurred to me before.I would call this sci-fi in the richest sense of the genre....
The second episode in particular is storytelling of the highest form.Black Mirror is disturbing in the best possible way.
This picks out the darkest aspects of how are future in this this modern age could end up, in extremis....Personally, I think it's a Facebook/Twitter/Flickr/Android/iPhone/Tab/internet horror story and whilst I think it's probably too brutal for most people, it is a reflection of how we give up and of ourselves to the digital, overwhelmingly public way that the world now wants us to be.I love the show.
The cast and set are different every time, but one theme I found recurring was that each episode was extremely haunting, and it definitely gets the viewer thinking about what could be if the world was just a little bit different.
I don't think Black Mirror will appeal to everyone because some themes are a slightly uncomfortable especially in the pilot episode.
I don't want to write any spoilers, but what I will say is this if you want a drama with dark twist or a series that is completely Original make it Black Mirror..
The way it makes you question and think about reality and our modern technological ages it's brilliant!And although being fictional and mostly sci-fi, it's so realistic in the scariest way!
Thank you Mr Brooker and all the team!P.S.: the first two episodes are probably the most disturbing ones and it's curious that all the bad reviews focus only in the first one...
extremely far-fetched (Which is pretty absurd for a satire, but I digress.) I did thoroughly enjoy it however, it hit all the right notes.After watching the second episode, I was left in shock about the jarring contrast from the first episode.
Every episode is suprising and makes you feel small when the clue has been released during the time you are watching it as you think: this is not totally unreal....
It's one of the most fascinating TV shows ever.Favourite Episodes : Be Right Back, San Junipero, Hang the DJ, The Entire History of You, Nosedive and Fifteen Million Merits.Bring on Season 5!.
Black mirror presents scenarios which seem like a natural progression for the trends in the world, and also for potential trends which our society is already gravitating toward, in a way that shows you the benefits but focuses more on the potential negatives which seem to elude us.
I applaud the foresight of the writers who present these issues in a way that seems obvious while were watching each episode but probably have not pondered in our every day lives.
Black Mirror is heavy-going and encourages concentrated viewing and musing afterthoughts, personally I couldn't binge on it.I needed almost a month to watch all 19 eps, so about one a day which is as bingey as it should be.
Watch it in order as you get a little appreciation of how the BM-universe expands.One fine thing to point out is that Black Mirror's cast is genuinely diverse without making a crazed identity-politics agenda out of it...people are people, and that's how it should be.
Oddly enough those three weakest eps all came in a row, tho' of course your experience will differ.Weighting the balance positively Black Mirror deserves an overall 9/10 putting it right up there in my top 5 favourite series ever, above Game of Thrones & Breaking Bad. Alongside Twin Peaks & classic Twilight Zone.
Below only the modern Battlestar Galactica.So if you haven't seen any yet and my spoiler-free review speaks to you, I can only add don't judge the series on its very first episode (it strongly divides opinion), the next two however should blow you away!.
I watched the opening episode of this series in that faint hope that a series would come along that MAYBE had some really timeless qualities that the Twilight Zone had, namely, smart, innovative, fantasy, horror, science fiction.
Being funny and critical at the same time.What he clearly isn't good at, and this is made all the more apparent by the 2nd series of Black Mirror, is fleshing out basic ideas for a drama into anything more than a GCSE Film Studies project with a budget.
The constant references to social media and modern technology don't feel incidental, but desperate, like Charlie poking his head up from behind a prop screaming "Look how relevant this all is!" Twitter this, twitter that.
The 'what if' is answered with the expected pessimism present in all of the Black Mirror episodes, but it's still entertaining to watch the story unfold.
I keep hearing that it's satire, but I've watched the entire series and not one of the episode makes any sense too me, and I'm no stranger to weird science fiction.
Most episodes make their point within the first 10-15min and then they beat it into absurdity which makes the show a chore to watch.I don't understand what the hype is around this show, it's nothing revolutionary and most of the time it just comes across as pretentious, go watch the Outer Limits, it's much better written and the ending is almost always a surprise..
It made me feel like I did very young when seeing The Twilight Zone for the first time...a world like ours, but tilted slightly, an engaging story and often a twist at the end.
But when I've got through those two seasons, I felt something odd - why do I have the feeling that this artsy, independently presented thing seems to have a hell of a budget for the special effects department, and why do 90% of the episodes ramble about TV shows or the likes ?
Pure, black mirrory irony: the producer of this show is Endemol - pretty much THE production company worldwide who entertains or should I say renders people completely stupid in front of their TV set with exactly the type of shows criticized along the Black Mirror Episodes.
absolutely gripping intelligent humorous insight into modern culture with a media savi team of writers.Well worth a watch for the will he won't he suspense of the first episode.make some time in your schedule to see this and look forward to discussing it with people afterwards.Looking forward to this writing team coming back with more funds to deliver bigger and better.the ten lines of text minimum is a real pain when you are in a hurry to watch the next episode.enjoy..
Black Mirror shows you a reflection of the future you didn't want to see, but can't look away from..
In the vein of Rod Serlings Twilight Zone, Black Mirror shows us a bleak impression of the future if we succumb to the immediate gratification of technology and cynicism.
Each Black Mirror episode is it's own stand alone piece.
** This review contains spoilers **I was trying to find a new series to watch on Netflix, and, missing the amazing (but deceptive) Jinni, browsed 'similarshows'.
fell down for me when they didn't realise a dismembered finger was actually a man's; and as for the psychology: man kidnaps girl, man makes fantastically ridiculous demands, PM says no, one of his staff makes incredibly stupid mistake, his subordinates say he must comply, his wife cries, he decides he will (or more accurately, he's bullied into it), evidence is available to show the man is unlikely to kill the girl but they ignore it, everyone, including the kids, watches 'the act' on national TV, at tea time.
I watched half of episodes 2 and 3 in the first season, but couldn't get through either of them.
I feel like me typing out this review could be made into a Black Mirror episode that would scare the crap out of me.
We're always one second away from being a Black Mirror episode...or maybe we're already living in one right now.
No matter what device you're reading this review on right now, once the screen times out, there's only you, and your reflection in that Black Mirror..
The problem isn't that it's bent, but that it's so unrealistically bent and yet the entertainment world thinks this is some kind of commentary on the lengths to which social media/modern technology have eroded the moral fabric of society.
There is nothing decent about this show, it is not unique, it does not force you to think about things deeply(unless you have an IQ in double digits) and it might be the most boring show you'll ever come across that's rated close to 9 on IMDb. Every episode has a different story and the episodes aren't interconnected, all episodes are bad and kill your time in the worst possible way.
I watched the first episode, and it was the most extremely unrealistic thing I have ever seen.
None and I mean NONE of the Black mirror episodes are as good as Twilight Zone's "Nothing in Dark".If you expect the caliber of "Time enough at Last" you will be deeply disappointed..
My husband and I just watched the first episode of Black Mirror.
Just finished the second episode, and I have to say that this probably is the worst series I have ever seen.
Watched first episode of the series and found it to be one of the most vile, disgusting and disturbing things I've ever seen.
A friend recommended this show a while ago and to pass the time in between new Twin Peaks episodes we decided to binge this series.
I watched 5 episodes (1,3,4,5 and 6), but I really can't comprehend why so many people (including my friends) think so highly it.Call me critical, but I feel that if a show is sciency (projecting a view of the future and the technical advancements it holds), psychological (predicts how people behave in this futuristic setting) AND has a clear moral message, this projection should be VERY believably for the show to be any good.
Take episode 2 for instance, with the woman who cries the entire episode.there is just too little logic and sense of reality.It's like all the writers care about is getting their message across and shocking people with it, instead of coming up with a decent, believable story.
When I started watching Black Mirror I only knew that it's a criticism of modern society.
I watched and wondered which dark tale I would see next.I absolutely adore British TV shows, they are a gripping and unique blend of comedy and drama, and distinguished English humor is always a ray of light even in the most tragic circumstances.Black Mirror is not like that.
Well, Black Mirror shows it like no other film or show.
It shows how new gadgets, technologies, social media and entertainment industry imperceptibly slowly and steadily change our perception, change worlds (Waldo's Moment), societies (National Anthem, White Bear, 15 Million Merits), life of individuals (The Entire History of You, Be Right Back.)Each episode deserves a separate review, separate kudos, but I'll express my thoughts shortly on each of them here:1.
The future technology from this episode can be useful for people with bad memory, and can turn into in evil by creeps, who like to think about their past relationships.
I've just discovered the extraordinary showstopper, "Black Mirror", a British sci-fi television series that is part "Twilight Zone" but darker and more bizarre.
Each episode, like "Twilight Zone", has a separate story and a different cast.
Black Mirror's worst episode is better than a lot of series finales imo..
I had only seen the first two episodes of the series and the first was overrated but the better of the two.
Black mirror never made me think about it after watching it.
Well, because I am not really all that interested in technology.The acting in the three episodes that I watched was good, and it was nice enough to see story lines poke fun at things that are wrong with society today, such as how desperate for fame people are that they are willing to participate in "talent" shows, or the fact that most of our lives are spent online in one way or another, etc.I guess that "Black Mirror" would have a wide appeal, and at first glance it seems like it is something that might slip under the radar of most people.
I think calling Black Mirror SciFi is a bit offensive but technically it is indeed made of fictional stories on how science may evolve.Unlike other shows, this is essentially a collection of short movies, but each one succeeds in being very compelling, thought provoking and often has a thriler edge to it.So it is a drama, thriller and satire all rolled into one.
Which is what it makes it so good.Basically Black Mirror premise is to dive into (very plausible) scenarios into where technological progress may lead us if we are not careful, and just how f-ed of a world we may end up with it.Would recommend watching all of the episodes, and it is a perfect show to watch if you feel like watching something but maybe do not have time to watch a movie, while still getting that beggining, middle and end feeling - and most likely will be very philosophical after that.Strong 9/10.
One of the best tv series which has complete new story in every episode.
Almost didn't get through the first season without watching several episodes again.
The seasons have gotten better, so that I liked more episodes than not.
"Black Mirror" repeatedly and perfectly depicts what the future may hold for us as people of the world if we continue to increase our dependence and reliance on technology and social media respectively.
The character development leads you to easily empathize with the various situations the series puts them in, and by the end of the episodes you'll find yourself evaluating their decisions as if they were you're close friends.Brilliant execution, use of technology, and plot development - simply brilliant..
Black Mirror is a series of episodes that are not related to one another except for the fact that each of them deals with some aspect of how technology is able to shape human life.Reviewing this series would be like trying to review all nature programs.
I love how dark and semi realistic this show is but it feels like every other episode is not that interesting.
I love that this show focuses on the ways humanity can become perversed by technology but the more recent episodes look more like futuristic distopian stuff where the characters are all play into their most depraved desires rather than normal people being corrupted by tech or the opportunities it can bring.
If this stops only one person from sitting through this awful programme then I have done a good job.I sat through most of the first episode, screaming at my husband to turn it off before I was sick ended our experience of Black Mirror.
If you want to eat popcorn in your couch and watch something predictable where the bad guys are killed mercilessly by some agency one more time, wait for the decaf American remake, it could be even starred by Tom Cruise, of course, to add depth to the storyline, you know.But if you're after something fresh, thought-provoking and that for sure can happen in the not-so-distant future, if not already happening now, give a try to Black Mirror.A very interesting point is, they're not "distant-future" sci-fi stories, but relate to common people on the everyday use of our beloved gadgetry, the lack of regulation, the lack of privacy ...
If you like technology you'll love Black Mirror..
Which is what Black Mirror does every single episode.
Aside from one single episode, Season 3's "San Junipero", the entirety of Black mirror is totally ridiculous, pandering fearmongering, that exploits people's lack of knowledge about technology and sends a completely wrong message.
Dick influences.All in all, Black Mirror is very well made sci-fi series, that is just a bit too on the nose about it's hatred for modern technology and especially social media.
Black Mirror is an anthology series that taps into our collective unease with the modern world, with each stand-alone episode a sharp, suspenseful tale exploring themes of contemporary techno-paranoia.
Except, in Black Mirror the characters aren't really in another dimension per se, they're in the now and all the freaky stuff that happens is 'common' among the population.Technology, and how it can affect (sometimes adversely) everyday life is the centerpiece of each episode.
If you're looking for a feel-good series with predictable plots you're not going to find it in Black Mirror.
But it's that humor that makes Black Mirror a fun and addictive series to watch.
I have watched many episodes more than once and each time i get more out of it.
Just a slight correct to make to an IMDb user : " Nomolost " The T.V. Series Black Mirror is supposed to be " inconsistent " as it has been compared to the American T.V. show " The Twilight Zone " each episode is a STAND ALONE episode .