Towards the end of 2011, a new anthology series premiered on the UK’s Channel 4 that redefined how we relate to the technology in our lives. Black Mirror eventually found its new home on Netflix, and it’s now one of the most successful horror series ever released.
Each episode delves into a different facet of the ever-evolving technology that plays a pivotal role in our lives, showing us how easily things can go terribly wrong. With the newest season just premiering, let’s look back at the scariest episodes of the previous five seasons.
1. “Nosedive”
Let’s face it: cell phones have totally taken over our lives. Whether we’re obsessing over which iPhone 14 Pro Max case to get or how many hours a week our screen time report tells us we’re spending on our phones, they’ve become central to everything we do.
The 2016 episode “Nosedive” explores the phone fixation by looking at a world where social media directly shapes people’s everyday lives. Lacie Pound (Bryce Dallas Howard) must navigate this dark world where people rate each other based on their interactions, and your overall rating determines your socioeconomic status and quality of life.
Given that research suggests that cellphone addiction rates are spiking among 18-29-year-olds, this terrifying future doesn’t seem too far off.
2. “White Bear”
To follow up a dark look at phone addiction, consider the fact that research has suggested too much TVcan damage our brains.
The 2013 episode “White Bear” follows a young woman named Victoria, played by Lenora Crichlow, who wakes up with no memory of who or where she is. She learns that everyone is now under mind control after a mysterious signal was broadcast on TVs around the nation.
She must team up with the remaining unaffected individuals and fight insidious TV control – something many of us can relate to after being unable to stop a binge-watch.
3. “Crocodile”
The 2017 episode “Crocodile” is one of the best-acted (by star Andrea Riseborough) and directed (by John Hillcoat) episodes of the entire series.
It follows a woman who, many years ago, committed several terrible crimes to help a friend cover up an even worse crime. Now, investigators are coming after her with a device called a “Recaller,” which can burrow into people’s memories and dredge up even those moments we bury the furthest down.
This episode depicts a world where we’re not even safe from our pasts.
4. “Metalhead”
2017’s “Metalhead” follows a young woman (Maxine Peake) in a post-apocalyptic society being hunted by robotic dogs. The episode was inspired by real technology developed by Boston Dynamics. This robot technology is quickly making its way into actual law enforcement ranks, so the dark future “Metalhead” imagines doesn’t actually seem so far off.
Techno Horror
Remember, you have the power to put down your phone. It doesn’t control you. But if you start watching a season of “Black Mirror,” we can’t guarantee you won’t get sucked in until you’ve binge-watched it all!
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