Black Mirror Series Review (Season 4)

Released: 29th December 2017 (Fourth Season)

Created by: Charlie Brooker

Number of Episodes: 6

Where to watch: Netflix (UK and United States)

Starring: Different actors and actresses each episode

In 2011, Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror laid bare the problems of technology taken to the greatest extreme, drawing an enormous cult following in the process. For the fourth entry in the series, the crew have struck out in a different direction, while keeping the same, often mortifying formula that had us questioning our own use of gadgets.

Making use of the same anthology format, Black Mirrors transports the viewer from one story and cast to the next, each with its own message; one takes inspiration from a certain classic science fiction show and others feel more distant, shifting to often isolated locations to further hammer in their bleaker tone. Five episodes feel distinctive and memorable and that leaves the only exception of the bunch; Metalhead, which without giving anything away doesn’t have enough meat on its bones to flesh out its setting or the real-life engineering company it draws inspiration from. It’s a shame to see the first arguably throwaway episode make its way into the series but it’s the only black spot in a season packed with variety and intriguing turns. Each member of the cast performs their individual role brilliantly, conveying all the emotions (many of them often being shock, anger and horror) with vivid detail and on top of that, there’s a very diverse group of people onboard for season 4, indicating technology’s ability to impact any one of us.

Black Mirror Season 4 continues the same dose of satire, and dark consequences that made the first twelve episodes so engrossing, but it also takes steps to set itself apart. The technology featured throughout each of the six episodes has been placed on the same level as our own human flaws, some of which include obsession, guilt, frustration, selfishness and greed. The way technology plays on each of these manifests itself in more shocking, heart-wrenching and disturbing ways, with one episode not only breaking through the fourth wall but also recalling the problems with race relations we have in the modern times. These thematic elements are brought into play with just the right of nuance, twisting the knife just enough before letting loose with the twists. On top of that, the methods of presentation also change; a grainy 4:3 ratio gives way to a saturated black and white view later and often the colour will be drained from the environments, a strong technique in highlighting the artificiality of the show’s featured tech. The show has also grown more graphic for its fourth outing, with nastier depictions of violence, particularly with one episode feeling especially sadistic as it proceeded on to its chilling conclusion.

Delving into the realm of the surreal, the sinister and back again, the fourth season of Black Mirror maintains its knife edge of unpredictability and interconnected themes of technology gone wrong. While season 4 sits just below the first three, it remains irresistible for any who can stomach its darker moments and more minimalistic approach to technology.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)