Let's be clear: this episode is like a slightly less charming version of Call Me By Your Name. That's why it feels rather slow and uninteresting in its first half. The performances between the two female leads could have been stronger, although I can see Mackenzie Davis trying her best.
The second half however swiftly hits you like a truck once the sci-fi element kicks in. Suddenly, all the clinging, drama, and attachment in the first half make sense (although it's still not an excuse for the slow burn - they could've made it for 10 minutes less). The moment when Yorkie and Kelly eventually meet is trademark Black Mirror, delivering heartbreaking, bitter reality in the show's fashion, and the episode maintains this emotional tone until a few minutes before the end.
In an unusual turn, the episode concludes with a more light-hearted, upbeat tone. Initially, I felt like it sidelined the heavy burden of the question between life and death, as Kelly aptly put it, "why didn't she have the chance?" But after some pondering, I realized the episode wants to present a more optimistic view of the inevitable end we all face. In the end, it's about how we choose to spend "the rest of it," as Kelly decided in the end. It's a more bright take on Blade Runner's pondering: if it feels real, then it's real.
Decided to write this while I'm watching the episode.
This episode is just social justice vomit. 36 minutes in and I'm so BORED!! I thought Black Mirror was supposed to be a sci-fi concepts anthology. The only reason I made it this far is rockin' 80s music and my OCD about dropping things in the middle. Even the acting is sub-par from what I expect from this show by now.
Still trying to figure out the point too. It's just a lesbian soap so far...
40 minutes, finally hits future setting at least.
Having to check the time as I go. I don't remember 60 minutes bent so long a time...
50 minutes, finally a sci-fi concept, not very original though. I feel like they've covered this one before. =/
55. This is absolutely HORRIBLE writing. These chicks supposedly just got married and now they're having a fight because they know nothing about each others lives. Are you fucking store serious?? Isn't that something you should, I dunno, maybe know before getting hitched. I can't buy any of these characters. Seriously, they aren't even good caricatures of believable people. Can they just die and end my misery?
End. FINALLY!
Worst Black Mirror episode yet. At least there's a good credits track so I want to hurt things a bit less now. Waste of an hour.
Review by InaVIP 9BlockedParent2016-11-01T21:28:44Z
I really loved this episode! Definitely my favourite Black Mirror episode so far.
First of all, it was really refreshing to see an LGBT couple presented so well and for them to also have a happy ending despite the general dark tone of the show. It was a nice change for both the show and the portrayal of LGBT people in the media in general. I also really enjoyed the way the episode played out overall. It was nice that the tech aspect of the episode was only revealed piece by piece later on, so at first you were still a bit confused as to how technology is gonna play into the story. That way they could focus on and develop the relationship between the main characters first, before delving into all of their tech-related issues that would cause them emotional turmoil. It also helped with suspense, cause the first half of the episode you're kept wondering about the tech-theme of the ep and what horrible thing is gonna happen to these two and by the second half, you're already so invested in their relationship, you're sitting on the edge of your seat, hoping against all odds that they're gonna make it. Just really nice and interesting writing! :)
Also, some major plus points for the great soundtrack of the episode. Fantastic songs that really transport you into the different eras and may even bring on some nostalgia.