Paul Giamatti, a two-time Oscar nominee, has expressed his excitement about joining the cast of the much-anticipated seventh season of the acclaimed anthology series Black Mirror. Known for its thought-provoking narratives about technology's impact on society, the show has returned to its roots after a sixth season that veered into mystical themes.
In a recent interview, Giamatti admitted he is a huge fan of Black Mirror, stating, "I told Charlie: ‘I would do anything you ask. I could just sweep the floor.’" His enthusiasm reflects the high regard in which the series is held, with journalists dubbing his episode as the most soulful of the new season.
The plot of Giamatti's episode centers around a character named Philip, who is tasked with sharing memories of a recently deceased woman named Carol. With the help of a cheerful AI assistant, he attempts to reconstruct his past and understand the woman he had tried to forget. Giamatti compared the episode to The Twilight Zone, noting it explores themes of memory, grief, and the implications of technology on human relationships. "It’s an interesting story about memory, grief, and technology, and whether it’s good for the cause itself," he said.
Despite his admiration for the show, Giamatti clarified that he does not consider himself a technophobe. He believes that in the context of his character's journey, technology serves a beneficial role. "I’m not particularly tech-savvy. It scares me a bit, but at the same time, all of this is so new and in its infancy, and we don’t know where it will lead. In this particular episode, technology, in my opinion, helps—despite the moment when you’re just told, ‘Put this on your head and do this,’ and you comply. But we’re all like that now because we’re dependent on it. Ultimately, it turns out to be for the better for my character. So I don’t have the darkest view of it all. Maybe something good can still come out of this,” he explained.
The seventh season of Black Mirror premiered on Netflix on April 10, 2025, and consists of six episodes. The season has garnered positive reviews, achieving an impressive 89% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 81 reviews. In addition to Giamatti, the cast features notable actors such as Peter Capaldi, Cristin Milioti, Awkwafina, Emma Corrin, and Rashida Jones.
Showrunner and writer Charlie Brooker decided to return to the series’ original themes after the sixth season's departure into supernatural elements involving werewolves and demons. This decision has proven to resonate well with audiences, as the latest season received higher ratings than its two predecessors.
Each episode in the new season of Black Mirror is interconnected, reinforcing the idea of a cohesive universe. For instance, one episode features a teacher referencing mechanical bees from the third season, while another brings back Colin Ritman, a character from the interactive film Bandersnatch. The new episodes also revisit familiar technologies, such as digital copies that serve as personal assistants, first introduced in the 2014 special White Christmas.
Critics have provided mixed reviews of the new season, with some praising its return to form while others argue that the dystopian themes feel outdated in light of real-world technological advancements. Anastasia Tsoi, a film and series reviewer, ranked the episodes from worst to best, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each.
The second episode, titled "The Object of Disgust," follows a bakery technology worker who encounters a former classmate bullied in school. This encounter leads to a divergence of realities, reminiscent of the Mandela Effect. Critics noted that while the episode contains elements of technology, it relies heavily on a familiar revenge plot.
In the sixth episode, "USS Callister: To Infinity," viewers learn about the fates of the main characters from the original episode. The combination of a space western with a virtual reality controlled by a psychopath fails to deliver the freshness expected from a sequel. Critics pointed out that although there are a few good plot twists, the overall narrative felt unnecessary.
Meanwhile, the fifth episode, titled "Grief," tells the story of an elderly man who learns of the death of a woman he dated in his youth. The deceased woman's daughter suggests using a special device to resurrect memories for the funeral. This poignant tale of lost love and missed opportunities showcases Giamatti's acting prowess.
The first episode, "Ordinary People," portrays a couple living modestly until the woman is diagnosed with a brain tumor. A tech startup offers a cure, but the couple must now contend with a monthly subscription fee. This satirical take on capitalist excess has been described as predictable yet impactful, drawing comparisons to Michael Haneke's film Love.
Lastly, the fourth episode, "Toy," features a man arrested for murder who recounts his life story, including his encounter with genius game developer Colin Ritman. This absurd and lively narrative encapsulates the recurring themes of human imperfection that Brooker often explores.
Overall, the new season of Black Mirror showcases a blend of gripping narratives, humor, and social commentary. As it tackles the complexities of technology's role in our lives, it reminds viewers of the delicate balance between innovation and humanity.
