Black Mirror Season 7 Episode 1 ‘Common People’ Review

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Summary

  • Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 1 explores technology’s negative impacts through unsettling narratives.
  • Common People episode portrays the dangers of technology through subscription models & loss of agency.
  • The episode is a cautionary tale questioning the real cost of using technology to prolong life.

The Netflix series “Black Mirror” stands out among many projects by delving into the ways technology shapes modern society. It often starts with the introduction of innovative tech tools or platforms designed to fulfill people’s desires. Yet, these advancements rarely come without a cost, suggesting that technology may not always have our best interests at heart, especially in certain scenarios. In Season 7 of this widely acclaimed anthology series, viewers will encounter six fresh tales that underscore the detrimental effects of technology on society. These stories are filled with disquieting narratives that strike a chord with audiences. As with any show, the initial episode usually offers a more lighthearted approach, presenting an engaging storyline, albeit not as intense or graphic as subsequent episodes.

In the opening episode of Black Mirror Season 7 titled “Common People”, we follow the story of Amanda, portrayed by Rashida Jones, and her husband Mike, played by Chris O’Dowd. The couple, blissfully married, are enjoying their anniversary. Their lives are going well, filled with contentment towards each other. For a decade, Mike has been employed in the manufacturing industry, while Amanda dedicates herself to teaching. In this advanced world, even pollination is performed by autonomous drone insects.

Black Mirror Season 7′ Common People Hits On A Relatable Fear

During their anniversary dinner at Juniper, it becomes apparent that the couple is attempting to conceive a child. Later, Amanda experiences headaches after intimacy, and Mike administers her usual medication for these symptoms. The following day, while instructing her students at school, Amanda collapses and is rushed to the hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Mike learns that his wife’s condition may be irreversible due to a clot in her brain, which has been growing. Despite the doctor offering no straightforward solution to this predicament, she suggests a recently established company that might provide help.

Mike and Amanda’s lives are about to undergo a transformation, yet not all positively. Introducing Gaynor, portrayed by Tracee Ellis Ross, who works for Rivermind Technologies – an innovative company offering assistance through advanced technology. This aid could significantly improve her life. However, the catch? A monthly fee of $300, but the surgery itself is on the house. This instance serves as a stark reminder of how large tech corporations often attract with seemingly free offerings.

Rivermind delivers an insightful and engaging exploration of the intersection between technology and capitalism, particularly in critical life situations. The narrative of Amanda and Mike initially presents as a moving tale of love and resilience, yet swiftly transforms into a penetrating critique of subscription-based healthcare models. This thought-provoking episode skillfully investigates how tech firms mask control as concern, enticing users with supposedly free solutions that conceal hidden charges. Although it raises profound questions concerning consent, authority, and digital reliance, it occasionally shies away from fully demonstrating the terror inherent in its premise. However, when it ultimately delivers on its promise, it leaves no doubt about the gravity of the issue at hand.

Picture an individual unwittingly picking up signals from normally inaccessible frequencies, receiving automated messages designed for machines. This causes them to spout advertisements and sales pitches in a manner that suggests they’ve been taken over, their speech adopting a disquieting, excessively friendly tone. It feels like witnessing a digital anomaly – unsettling, artificial, and chillingly plausible. The boundary between personal autonomy and pre-programmed messaging becomes increasingly indistinct.

“Common People” might be subtle, but it’s equally terrifying

One of the powerful elements of this episode lies in its authenticity. Today, people often resort to apps for various services, but they must pay for premium versions if they want all the features. This can be quite expensive. Our characters, Mike and Amanda, experienced this predicament as well. At first, their actions appeared heartfelt and selfless, but they quickly descended into a terrifying loss of control. Amanda found herself subjected to continuous data manipulation, emotional regulation systems, and intrusive monitoring, all disguised as wellness initiatives. Her thoughts were censored, and most disturbingly, her freedom to make choices was taken away. Rivermind, portrayed as both a wonder and a threat, is an intriguing character in itself—cold, detached, and eerily omniscient. As Amanda starts to regain awareness within the boundaries of this artificial environment, the truth becomes clear: she’s alive, yet is she truly free?

The haunting ambiance of ‘Common People’ adds to its chilling effect. Unlike traditional horror shows, it doesn’t rely on graphic violence to scare viewers; instead, it cleverly employs everyday situations to create an eerie atmosphere that keeps things seemingly ordinary but undeniably terrifying. The acting is authentic and the majority of the episode focuses on Jones, O’Dowd, and Ross as they bring their characters to life. O’Dowd delivers a remarkable performance as a desperate husband, his portrayal being exceptionally convincing, while Jones leaves a lasting impression with her captivating depiction of Amanda.

In contrast, Ross’s portrayal is unsettling due to its uncanny normalcy amidst the chaos that envelops the couple. The narrative maintains a close and intimate perspective, favoring emotional depth over spectacle. Scenes of quiet resilience, such as Amanda lying motionless in her hospital bed, or glimpses of the couple struggling against the system, create an atmosphere of haunting authenticity. The dialogue remains earthbound, eschewing excessive drama, and poses thought-provoking questions: Who has the authority to define genuine living? At what point does caring for someone transition into controlling them?

Furthermore, the narrative delves into our excessive desire to extend life indefinitely and probes if transforming someone into a commodity is justifiable under the guise of saving them. The imagery is polished and clinical, creating a stark contrast between Amanda’s previous organic, human environment and her current cold, digital confinement.

The thought-provoking ‘Common People’ episode from Black Mirror explores the chilling potential of technology manipulating even our most personal aspects like love and wellness. It serves as a timely reminder, making us ponder the hidden prices we pay when maintaining life comes at the expense of freedom. While rapid change may not be imminent, this story could serve as a wake-up call for those who find themselves entrenched in similar circumstances.

All episodes of Black Mirror Season 7 are streaming exclusively on Netflix.

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2025-04-10 14:05