Expect the Unexpected: A Review of Black Mirror Season 6
Black Mirror, the popular dystopian anthology series, returned to Netflix with its sixth season after a four-year hiatus. The new season is jam-packed with surprises and unexpected twists that will keep viewers on their toes. Creator Charlie Brooker promised that the new episodes would be no less dark and twisted than their predecessors, but with more variety and crazy swings. This article is a comprehensive review of the new season, including a discussion of the five episodes and the themes explored in each.
Episodes:
Joan Is Awful
An average woman is stunned to discover a global streaming platform has launched a prestige TV drama adaptation of her life — in which she is portrayed by Hollywood A-lister Salma Hayek Pinault. Brooker’s episode “Joan Is Awful” opens the new season with a satirical commentary on the entertainment industry and self-obsession in the internet era. This episode boasts an impressive cast, including Salma Hayek Pinault, Annie Murphy, Michael Cera, Himesh Patel, Rob Delaney, and Ben Barnes.
Loch Henry
The second episode, “Loch Henry,” takes viewers to present-day Scotland, where a couple travels to a sleepy Scottish town to start work on a genteel nature documentary. However, they find themselves drawn to a juicy local story involving shocking events of the past. This episode explores themes such as commodification, exploitation, and sensationalism, with a cast that includes Samuel Blenkin, Myha’la Herrold, Daniel Portman, John Hannah, and Monica Dolan.
Beyond the Sea
In the third episode, “Beyond the Sea,” Brooker takes viewers back to an alternative 1969, where two men on a perilous high-tech mission wrestle with the consequences of an unimaginable tragedy. This episode offers a fresh take on familiar themes, including the impact of technology on human emotion and behavior. The cast of this episode includes Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, Kate Mara, Auden Thornton, and Rory Culkin.
Mazey Day
In the fourth episode, “Mazey Day,” a troubled starlet is dogged by invasive paparazzi while dealing with the consequences of a hit-and-run incident. This episode explores themes such as media-driven cruelty, exploitation, and the corrosive influence of fame. The cast of this episode includes Zazie Beetz, Clara Rugaard, and Danny Ramirez.
Demon 79
In the fifth and final episode, “Demon 79,” a meek sales assistant is told she must commit terrible acts to prevent disaster in northern England in 1979. This episode explores themes such as individual responsibility, the greater good, and the nature of evil. The cast of this episode includes Anjana Vasan, Paapa Essiedu, Katherine Rose Morley, and David Shields.
Review:
A Fresh Take on Dystopian Themes
Black Mirror Season 6 offers a fresh take on familiar dystopian themes such as the impact of technology on human behavior and emotion. Brooker takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through alternate pasts and presents, tapping into themes such as media-driven cruelty, exploitation, sensationalism, and human vulnerability. The episodes blend the typical Black Mirror tonality with a new level of unpredictability and swing, and the result is mind-blowing. The characters in each episode are relatable, and the performances by the cast are outstanding.
Joan Is Awful: A Satirical Commentary on the Entertainment Industry
“Joan Is Awful” is a scathing satire of the entertainment industry’s obsession with its own image. The episode explores the themes of self-obsession and the internet age’s dangers. The characters are funny and dark at the same time, and the plot is engaging from start to finish. Salma Hayek Pinault, Annie Murphy, and Michael Cera deliver fantastic performances that make this episode memorable.
Loch Henry: A Comment on the Privatization of Nature
“Loch Henry” is a comment on the commodification of nature by big corporations. The episode explores themes such as exploitation, sensationalism, and the disingenuousness of those who pretend to care about the environment. The performances of Myha’la Herrold, Samuel Blenkin, and Daniel Portman are exemplary. Brooker’s commentary on true crime feels almost redundant, but the episode is partially redeemed by an intense performance from Herrold and a few genuinely observant jabs at the arty aesthetics of streaming platforms.
Beyond the Sea: A Fresh Exploration of Familiar Black Mirror Themes
“Beyond the Sea” offers a fresh take on familiar Black Mirror themes such as the relationship between humans and technology. The episode is set in an alternate past, where the world is grappling with the aftermath of a major tragedy. Aaron Paul and Kate Mara deliver breathtaking performances that explore human behavior and emotional response to disaster. This episode will leave viewers pondering the human condition and the nature of evil.
Mazey Day: A Comment on Media-Driven Cruelty
“Mazey Day” is a commentary on the media-driven cruelty that characterizes modern-day life. The episode explores the corrosive influence of fame, the impact of social media on human behavior, and the dangers of clickbait journalism. The episode’s plot twists are predictable, and the commentary feels belated, but the performances of Zazie Beetz and Clara Rugaard breathe life into the story.
Demon 79: A Comment on Individual Responsibility
“Demon 79” takes viewers to the gloomy north of England in 1979, where a meek sales assistant is told she must commit terrible acts to prevent disaster. The episode explores themes such as individual responsibility, the greater good, and the nature of evil. The performances of Anjana Vasan, Paapa Essiedu, and Katherine Rose Morley leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
Black Mirror Season 6 is a breath of fresh air for the dystopian anthology series. The show explores new themes, while still retaining the elements that have made it popular among viewers. The cast delivers powerful performances that leave a lasting impression. Brooker’s storytelling takes viewers through a rollercoaster of emotions, while still keeping them guessing with unpredictable twists and turns. Overall, this season is a must-see for Black Mirror fans and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking, engaging storytelling.
FAQs
1. When was Black Mirror Season 6 released?
Black Mirror Season 6 was released on Netflix in June 2022 after a four-year hiatus.