After a lackluster sixth season that strayed far from the show’s core themes, Black Mirror Season 7 feels like a much-needed return to its roots. This latest installment reaffirms the power of Charlie Brooker’s creation: a sharp blend of speculative fiction, emotional depth, and timely social commentary. It may just be one of our favorite seasons to date.
Below is our quick episode-by-episode breakdown:
Common People (4 and a half reels) -
Season 7 opens with a somber and emotionally charged episode. While its core twist may feel predictable, the final moments still land with gut-wrenching impact. It’s a scathing critique of our obsession with forced convenience from our devices and premium digital services—one that doesn't hold back. The unexpected chemistry between Chris O'Dowd and Rashida Jones elevates the narrative, delivering a grounded performance that enhances the episode’s emotional resonance. A powerful start that sets the tone for the season.
Bête Noire(3 and a half reels) -
At first glance, this episode’s focus on food research feels out of place in the Black Mirror universe. The initial half plays more like a mystery-thriller than a techno-dystopian tale. However, the second half pivots into chilling territory, delivering a shocking and unexpected climax. While it may not feature the most high-concept sci-fi of the season, its unpredictability and intensity make it a standout for those who enjoy slower builds with big and in-your-face payoffs.
Hotel Reverie (3 and a half reels) -
This episode dives into the world of AI-generated filmmaking through the fictional "Redream" technology—an immersive, interactive system that places real actors alongside artificial ones in fully realized virtual settings. The premise is ambitious, though it occasionally stretches plausibility. If you can suspend disbelief, the emotional arc pays off. Emma Corrin delivers a standout performance, while Issa Rae’s uneven portrayal in the early scenes slightly holds the episode back. Still, the exploration of identity especially in the context of the entertainment industry is intriguing.
Plaything (3 reels) -
A time-hopping episode that alternates between 1992 and a futuristic setting, Plaything follows Cameron Walker as he unravels a murder mystery tied to his DNA. Unfortunately, the storytelling is muddled and the techno-horror elements feel underdeveloped. While the premise holds promise, its execution may prove polarizing. The ambiguous and open-ended conclusion doesn't offer much resolution, leaving more confusion than contemplation in our opinion.
Eulogy (5 reels) -
Paul Giamatti delivers a masterclass performance in the season’s most emotionally resonant episode. As Philip, a grieving man who erased all traces of his ex-girlfriend Carol, he uses a futuristic memory-guided technology to reconnect with lost memories. Eulogy is both heartbreaking and hopeful—an introspective look at grief, memory, and the cost of misunderstandings and emotional erasure. It also stands out as one of the few episodes that uses technology to explore healing rather than horror. This was deeply human and profoundly moving in all levels.
USS Callister: Into Infinity (5 reels) -
Black Mirror revisits one of its most beloved episodes with its first full-fledged sequel episode, and it delivers on all fronts. Picking up from Season 4’s USS Callister, this feature-length chapter raises the stakes and expands the world while staying true to the original’s sci-fi adventure spirit. With unexpected twists and a faster pace, it’s both thrilling and nostalgic. While a few segments feel slightly rushed, the overall experience is bold, inventive, and immensely satisfying.
Season 7 of Black Mirror reaffirms why the series remains one of the most compelling anthology shows of the modern era. With a strong mix of emotional storytelling, inventive concepts, and relevant themes, Charlie Brooker proves that Black Mirror still has plenty to say about the technology shaping our lives. This season is a standout return to form—and one that fans both old and new will appreciate.
Black Mirror Season 7 Series Review: Seventh Heaven
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