Rashida Jones Reacts To The ‘Brutal’ Ending Of Her Black Mirror Episode Common People
The first episode of Black Mirror's seventh season, titled "Common People," has garnered attention for its intense narrative and dark themes, featuring Rashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd in leading roles. The episode, which premiered on Netflix, delves into the harrowing realities of a health crisis exacerbated by corporate greed and technological dependency.
In "Common People," Rashida Jones plays Amanda, a woman whose life is upended by a sudden, life-threatening health crisis. Her husband Mike, portrayed by Chris O'Dowd, turns to an experimental procedure offered by a cutting-edge tech company called Rivermind in a desperate attempt to save her. The procedure revives Amanda, but there’s a catch: her continued survival hinges on a subscription-based service controlled by Rivermind. What starts as a lifeline quickly spirals into a financial nightmare as the fees escalate, tightening the company’s grip on their lives in an increasingly dystopian fashion.
As the burden of the subscription becomes unbearable and Amanda's condition deteriorates under the weight of corporate control, Mike faces an agonizing decision. In a devastating finale, he ends Amanda’s life to spare her further suffering, retreating to another room, leaving a haunting silence that suggests his own tragic fate.
Rashida Jones opened up about the emotional impact of the episode's ending during an interview with Radio Times. She expressed her shock, stating, "I was gut punched when I read it. I was like, ‘What? Why? That’s so mean!’ But I think, in order to make the point, it sort of had to be that way." Jones emphasized the importance of portraying the act as a profound expression of love, despite its brutality. "I know it feels really brutal, but both the parallel endings are acts of love," she explained.
Jones noted that the depiction of death in the episode serves a larger narrative purpose, allowing for a culturally relevant exploration of death with dignity. "There’s so much fear around death... I feel like, culturally, we deserve to explore it in ways where there are people who are happy to die because it feels like the better version of where they are, where they’re in pain," she said.
This episode of Black Mirror is not just a narrative about personal tragedy; it also raises significant questions about the future of healthcare in a capitalist society. Jones remarked on the chilling resemblance of the show's premise to potential real-world scenarios, stating, "I think we’re a couple of innovations away from this being an actual possibility that people can buy into." She highlighted the ethical dilemmas posed by a tiered healthcare system, where access to life-saving treatments could depend on one's financial status.
Tracee Ellis Ross, who plays Gaynor, the customer service representative for Rivermind, echoed Jones's sentiments regarding the implications of technology in healthcare. She noted, "What happens when technology and science and medicine all kind of get to this place where people are not even given a chance to decide?" This raises questions about autonomy and choice in life-and-death situations, as portrayed in the episode.
Rashida Jones, known for her roles in popular series like The Office and Parks and Recreation, has a long-standing relationship with the Black Mirror franchise, having co-written the season 3 episode "Nosedive." She expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the series, stating, "I’m never saying no to Black Mirror. Charlie [Brooker] knows that." The actress described the tonal quality of "Common People" as reminiscent of the early seasons, blending comedy with darkness.
As the episode unfolds, Amanda's struggle and the couple's financial strain culminate in a heartbreaking decision that underscores the episode's central themes. The portrayal of Rivermind's escalating costs and the couple's desperate attempts to maintain Amanda's life serve as a critique of the current healthcare system, reflecting broader societal issues.
In a world where technology increasingly intertwines with personal health, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of a commodified healthcare system. Jones remarked, "You can imagine a future of Rivermind where there are all these tiers for things that are possible: living forever, being young forever, while the base thing remains keeping people alive in any kind of coverage zone." This vision of a future where access to life is contingent upon wealth raises critical ethical questions about the direction of healthcare.
As viewers digest the heavy themes presented in "Common People," the episode stands out as one of the darkest entries in the Black Mirror anthology. The emotional weight of the story, coupled with its societal critique, leaves audiences reflecting on the intersection of technology, love, and mortality.
All six episodes of Black Mirror season 7 are now available to stream on Netflix, inviting viewers to explore the complex narratives that challenge our perceptions of technology and its impact on human relationships.
