Netflix’s “Black Mirror”, is a series of shows that are topic-related and allows viewers to analyze and dissect each episode. Each episode has many hidden meanings and messages that encourages the audience to decipher what message each episode is discussing. The episode that I will be reviewing is titled “Nosedive”. Nosedive is about a middle-aged woman named Lacey, played by Bryce Dallas Howard. The plot of this episode is about a woman who lives in a almost automated society that is technology driven and highly influenced on ratings of themselves and others. The short film tells the story through the lens of Lacey who is trying to climb up the social ladder by increasing her rating. She faces many challenges in order to reach her goal of receiving a 4.5 rating or higher.
After viewing this short film twice, it is very difficult to find any bad points in this episode of Black Mirror. Each time that I watch this episode, I always find a subliminal message that I can relate to today’s society. In my opinion, Joe Wright, the director of this episode, did a brilliant job of bringing the episode together to make the story intriguing, contextualizing, and very thought-provoking.
Besides how moved I am by the plot and story progression, I was also astounded by the extra effects that was used to enhance this episode as well. The character choice and music selection was almost perfect from my perspective. With every scene the music that was used was set up perfectly; each song set the tone for the specific scene and what was taking place in the short film. For example, when Lacey would be in a more luxurious setting, classical-like music was playing, which I found to be perfect for that setting. Moreover, casting was magnificent. I like how each actor made there character; They brought their character to life. For instance, Alice Eve, American actress that played the role of Naomi, Lacey’s friend, really defined her character. Every scene, every movement seemed almost natural and realistic. The way the characters were portrayed in the film also allowed the audience to grasp the relationship between all the characters. The props used in the film also helped with bringing this episode to life as well.
As previously stated, I find this film so truthful, that I hardly have anything negative to say about this film.
The casting is great. The musical selections are fantastic. Even the message is eye-opening. I genuinely find this film enjoyable and I would recommend this film because it really shows how our society is so technology driven and focused on how others perceive on another. I was able to make a few connections with the real world and media usage. The idea of “ratings” within the film can be strongly influenced by social media and a fake reality. I admit that this film really changed my perspective on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; Everyone is hiding behind a false reality! Another thing that I liked about the film is that it discusses “Reputation”. In society, people are supposed to “act a certain way” where you can not say certain things or perform certain actions because it is deemed as inappropriate and can become controversial which really stands out in the short film.
If I were asked to rate the episode Nosedive From the Netflix original TV series “Black Mirror”, I would give it a 10/10. I highly recommend this short film to all people that can access Netflix or that uses social media and other technological devices because I believe it can really change peoples perspective on the effects of social media in today’s society.
Alana McClellan's Promise Land 