With an on-going threat of Eastern bloc uprising from an obsolete superpower, openly corrupt world leaders pleading their innocence both sides of the pond, and global economies in freefall – it seems an ideal time for another Black Mirror from Charlie Brooker.
Between himself and producer Annabel Jones, Black Mirror moved from being a cult series with social commentary at its heart, to a slick Netflix showcase for A-listers who suddenly realised how cool satire could be. Everyone from Bryce Dallas Howard (Nosedive) to Jesse Plemons (USS Callister) have featured in this twisted anthology show, that sought to dig beneath the surface of polite society and rattle its sabre.
Thankfully, there are elements of this sixth outing that consistently touch some raw nerves. Whether that might be the claustrophobia of Beyond the Sea, where Aaron Paul (Dual), Josh Hartnett (Oppenheimer), and Kate Mara (Call Jane) engage in an odd emotional triangle, or Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek) and Salma Hayek (House of Gucci), forced to face up to some home truths in Joan Is Awful.
However, if Black Mirror could be said to have a flaw, it would be overfamiliarity. Putting it bluntly, audiences know there is twist coming. Either dark, deviant, or unpleasantly on-point, Charlie Brooker has a way of exploring taboo topics, whilst passing them off as mainstream entertainment. Whether that might be actively satirising the very streaming platform who pays his wages or tapping into contemporary pre-occupations with true crime documentaries.
What this season does so well is mix and match dramatic tone, as different directors are afforded the luxury of leaving their own stamp on this material. Either through the windswept stripped back aesthetic of Loch Henry, or in a juxtaposition between the woodland paradise of Beyond the Sea in comparison to its more futuristic elements – Black Mirror season 6 consistently delivers.
With excellent performances from character actors Monica Dolan (Sightseers) and John Hannah (The Last of Us) amongst others, this show is about much more than those headliners who are drawn to the pitch-black premise, and delicately downbeat denouncement.
Black Mirror is elevated by each element of its ensemble cast, irrespective of screen time or audience awareness. In many ways, this Netflix acquisition has still managed to retain its unique identity, while other more prominent anthology outings might have lost some bite. A fact which ensures its perpetual place at the table of entertainment essentials.
Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix now.
