The first episode of the new season of Black Mirror, titled Common People, introduces viewers to Amanda, an elementary school teacher, and her construction worker husband Mike. The couple is struggling to make ends meet and dreaming of starting a family. However, their lives take a dark turn when Amanda experiences a medical emergency that threatens her health. In a desperate attempt to save her, Mike turns to Rivermind, a tech company that offers a service to bring Amanda back from the brink. The sinister side of corporate greed and medical malpractice is exposed through the company’s sales rep, Gaynor, as the couple is forced to confront the harsh realities of monetizing health.
Common People is far from the easy-going Black Mirror episode that viewers may have expected. Instead, it is a slow-moving tragedy that delves into the effects of technology on society and individuals. As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn in by the eerie mix of humor and dystopian horror that permeates the narrative. The episode raises questions about the potential consequences of advancements in technology, leaving viewers to ponder whether the events portrayed in the story could one day become a reality.
The characters in Common People, particularly Amanda and Mike, are faced with moral dilemmas and tough decisions that challenge their beliefs and values. Rashida Jones delivers a compelling performance as Amanda, capturing her struggle with the consequences of seeking help from Rivermind. Chris O’Dowd portrays Mike as a conflicted husband who must navigate the dark side of technological advancements in a bid to save his wife. Tracee Ellis Ross shines as Gaynor, the manipulative sales rep who embodies the evils of corporate greed and exploitation.
Through the lens of Amanda and Mike’s story, Common People explores themes of societal inequality, the commodification of health, and the dangers of unchecked technological progress. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of placing profit over human well-being and the ethical implications of using technology to manipulate and control individuals. As viewers are drawn into the dark and twisted world of Rivermind, they are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about the intersection of technology, capitalism, and human nature.
Overall, Common People is a thought-provoking and chilling addition to the Black Mirror series. The episode succeeds in creating a sense of unease and tension as it examines the impact of technology on society and the individual. With its mix of humor and horror, the story lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll, prompting them to consider the implications of the choices made by the characters and the world they inhabit. As Black Mirror continues to explore the darker aspects of human nature and technological advancements, Common People stands out as a haunting and poignant reflection on the dangers of sacrificing morality for progress.
