Why ‘Black Mirror’s’ ‘Bête Noire’ Is the Dark Twist ‘American Horror Stories’ Fans Crave

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⚠️ Caution Ahead: The following content includes plot reveals from episodes of Black Mirror and American Horror Story.

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⚠️ Plot Reveals Ahead: This content contains spoilers for episodes of Black Mirror and American Horror Story. Enjoy responsibly!

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⚠️ Spoiler Warning: The details below may give away key plot points from Black Mirror and American Horror Story episodes, so tread carefully!

Summary

  • “Black Mirror” season 7 episode 2 is similar to “American Horror Stories” episode “Bestie.”
  • Both episodes feature characters who seek friendships in destructive ways, leading to grim conclusions.
  • The ending of “Bête Noire” is bleak but campy, contrasting the heartbreaking conclusion of “Bestie.”

The seventh season of Black Mirror premiered on Netflix on April 10th, 2025, and viewers immediately dove into the six fresh episodes. Apart from delivering chilling and ominous tales about technology wreaking havoc in the lives of compelling characters, this new season also introduced a first-ever sequel episode titled “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” which concludes with a particularly brutal twist.

Each episode of Black Mirror stands out and keeps viewers captivated, typically concluding with a deep and at times somber reflection. However, among all the seasons, there’s one story from season 7 that is particularly appealing to fans who enjoyed the American Horror Stories episode titled “Bestie.

Fans Of The American Horror Stories Episode “Bestie” Will Like Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 2, “Bête Noire”

In terms of their narrative themes, the second episode of Black Mirror season 7, titled “Bête Noire,” shares many similarities with the first episode of American Horror Stories’ third season, entitled “Bestie.” Both stories revolve around characters who are excessively engaged online, yearn for popularity, engage in bullying behaviors, and seek companionship and trust. Additionally, both episodes include formidable antagonists who exert control and manipulate others, while maintaining an attractive and charismatic facade.

In the seventh season of “Black Mirror”, the episode titled “Bête Noire” focuses on Maria (played by Siena Kelly), a research and development employee at Ditta Foods. Her high school classmate Verity (Rosy McEwan) joins her department, which leaves Maria uneasy because she recalls how everyone used to tease Verity in the past, and she doubts Verity’s qualifications for the job.

In the third season of American Horror Stories, the character Maria appears to be more self-assured than Shelby Brubaker (Emma Halleen), but both women are grappling with feelings of disorientation, loneliness, and bewilderment. Through the enchanting amulet given by Verity, Maria finds herself questioning reality as facts and language seem to shift constantly. Verity’s aim is to bring chaos into Maria’s life, much like Bestie (Jessica Barden) in Shelby’s storyline, who manipulates her new friend into committing harmful acts to prove loyalty. Both episodes share a theme of revenge, making them impactful and unsettling experiences for the viewers.

Since the trailer for season 7 of Black Mirror was released, it has been evident that the six episodes would be skillfully made and unsettling. It’s intriguing to observe the characters of Maria, Verity, Shelby, and Bestie. Despite their shared desire to form friendships, they each approach it in a misguided manner, resulting in chaos. Remarkably similar to the most terrifying antagonists from American Horror Story, Verity and Bestie appear kind and innocent initially but later reveal their manipulative and controlling dark sides.

What Did Charlie Brooker Say About Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 2, “Bête Noire”?

Showrunner Charlie Brooker discussed with Netflix Tudum.com about the finale of “Bête Noire,” where Maria, having taken Verity’s life and controlling her pendant/magical remote, now reigns as the empress of the universe. Brooker explained:

As a movie aficionado, I find it delightful to craft a scene where it appears as if [Maria] has been utterly defeated in the closing moments, only for her to miraculously rise above the chaos, much like the legendary phoenix. This unexpected twist, while somewhat whimsical, adds a touch of absurdity to the ending, making it all the more intriguing.

In some instances, Black Mirror episodes conclude on a positive note, but “Bête Noire” has an ending that’s gloomy with a touch of the absurd, offering a mix of power corruption humor. The empress character, Maria, becomes dangerously self-important, yet there’s a comedic twist to her storyline. On the other hand, Shelby meets a tragic end in “Bestie,” leaving viewers with a sense of sorrow. In both stories, the protagonists learn the hard way that seeking popularity can lead to isolation and distrust, ultimately ruining their lives.

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2025-04-12 15:34