The highly anticipated return of Black Mirror on Netflix kicks off its seventh season with a poignant episode titled "Common People," which has left audiences both heartbroken and contemplative. Series creator Charlie Brooker has described the episode as a "comedy," but viewers may find it hard to laugh as they navigate the emotional depths of this story.
The episode centers around Mike (Chris O'Dowd) and Amanda (Rashida Jones), a married couple whose seemingly idyllic life is shattered when Amanda suffers a medical emergency at school. The couple, who are struggling to conceive, find themselves facing a grim reality when a doctor reveals that Amanda has a brain tumor. In a desperate bid to save her life, Mike agrees to enroll Amanda in an experimental service called Rivermind.
Rivermind is presented as a revolutionary technology that creates a "backup of part of her brain on the computer," as explained by Gaynor (Tracee Ellis Ross), the salesperson who introduces them to the service. The process involves removing the tumor and surrounding tissue, then replacing it with synthetic receiver tissue that connects to Rivermind's server. This high-tech solution, however, comes at a steep price. The couple must pay a substantial monthly fee to keep Amanda alive and functioning.
As the episode unfolds, viewers witness the darkly satirical nature of the technology industry. Rivermind initially appears to be a lifesaver, but it quickly devolves into a money-making scheme. Amanda begins to "malfunction," experiencing episodes where she involuntarily recites advertisements, a disturbing side effect of being on the lower-tier subscription plan. To remove these ads, Mike must upgrade to the more expensive Rivermind Plus, which costs $800 a month and offers additional benefits.
In a desperate attempt to afford the escalating costs of Amanda's care, Mike turns to a website called DumDummies, where users perform humiliating acts for cash rewards. His decision to reveal his identity on the site leads to disastrous consequences; a coworker recognizes him, and in a tragic accident, he is crushed by a truck after Mike confronts him.
As their financial situation worsens, Mike is forced to make increasingly desperate choices. The couple's dreams of parenthood are dashed when they learn that pregnancy comes with an additional $90 monthly fee. With the pressure mounting, Mike's mental state deteriorates, and he resorts to extreme measures to keep Amanda alive.
One year later, the episode takes a somber turn. Mike is seen selling their baby crib to a couple who plans to use it in a music video. Their once hopeful life has transformed into a bleak existence, marked by loss and desperation. Mike, now visibly changed and missing teeth—likely a result of his degrading acts on DumDummies—tries to maintain a facade of normalcy as he celebrates their anniversary with Amanda.
In a chilling moment, Amanda expresses her thoughts on ending her life, stating, "it's time." Despite his initial resistance, Mike ultimately agrees, but only if she is certain. The episode culminates in a heart-wrenching scene where Mike smothers Amanda with a pillow, unable to bear the thought of her suffering any longer.
The closing moments of "Common People" leave viewers with a haunting image of Mike returning to his office with a craft knife in hand, suggesting that he may be contemplating self-harm or further degradation to secure financial stability. The episode's dark exploration of technology's impact on human relationships and the lengths one will go to for love resonates deeply, leaving audiences to ponder the ethical implications of such advancements.
As the credits roll, viewers are left reflecting on the moral quandaries presented in the episode, questioning the price of life and the sacrifices made in the name of love. Black Mirror continues to challenge societal norms, pushing boundaries and forcing its audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the future of technology and its influence on our lives.
Available for streaming on Netflix, the latest season of Black Mirror promises to delve deeper into the complexities of human existence, making "Common People" a fitting, albeit sorrowful, start to the season.
