'Black Mirror' Returns on Netflix: Meet the Cast of Season 7
The Netflix series Black Mirror is to the early 21st century what The Twilight Zone was to the early ‘60s. The self-contained episodes offer a dark reflection of our technological obsessions, while occasionally engaging in them directly; the episode Bandersnatch was one of Netflix’s first forays into interactive storytelling.
Because of the series’ episodic structure, Black Mirror can also continue indefinitely, or at least as long as creator Charlie Brooker wants it to. This has led to extended breaks between the “seasons,” which are typically comprised of three to six episodes.
The show’s malleable structure also allows each story to progress at whatever length is needed. Acclaimed episodes like “Hated in the Nation” and “Beyond the Sea” are the length of a feature film. As Black Mirror has grown in popularity, the series has been able to recruit bigger and more established stars, including Anthony Mackie, Miley Cyrus, Aaron Paul, Salma Hayek, Jon Hamm, and plenty more.
The show’s newest season premiered on Netflix on April 10, and it features the series’ first direct sequel, a follow-up to the fan-favorite season 4 episode “USS Callister.” Here’s a brief overview of Black Mirror season 7.
Common People
All descriptions courtesy of Netflix
“When a teacher is left fighting for her life, her doting husband signs her up for a high-tech system that keeps her alive — but at a cost.”
Cast: Chris O'Dowd, Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross, Nicholas Cirillo
Running time: 57 minutes
Bête Noire
“A young woman is unnerved when an old acquaintance joins the company she works at — especially as there's something odd about her that only she can see.”
Cast: Siena Kelly, Rosy McEwen, Michael Workéyè, Ben Bailey Smith, Amber Grappy, Ravi Aujla, Elena Sanz, Hanna Griffiths
Running time: 50 minutes
Hotel Reverie
“A high-tech remake of a classic film sends its A-list star into another dimension, where she must stick to the script if she ever wants to make it home.”
Cast: Issa Rae, Awkwafina, Emma Corrin, Harriet Walter, Enzo Cilenti
Running time: 1 hour 17 minutes
Plaything
“In a near-future London, an eccentric murder suspect is linked to an unusual video game from the '90s — which hosts a society of digital life forms.”
Cast: Peter Capaldi, Lewis Gribben, James Nelson-Joyce, Michele Austin, Asim Chaudhry, Will Poulter
Running time: 46 minutes
Eulogy
“An isolated man is introduced to a groundbreaking system that allows users to step inside old photos — stirring powerful emotions in the process.”
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Patsy Ferran
Running time: 47 minutes
USS Callister: Into Infinity
“Nanette Cole and the crew of the USS Callister are stranded in an infinite virtual universe, fighting for survival against 30 million players.”
Cast: Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Milanka Brooks, Osy Ikhile, Paul G. Raymond
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes
