Summary
The Netflix seriesBlack Mirroris one of the rare projects that explores how technology is being used in today’s society. It always begins with how new, cutting-edge apps or platforms help people get what they want. However, it doesn’t take much time for things to get worse, implying that technology might not be our best friend, at least in some cases. In Season 7 of the highly popular anthology series, viewers get to see six new stories about technology’s negative impact on society, and feature unsettling narratives that resonate with the audience. Just like any other show, the first episode is always on the lighter side, meaning that it will feature an enthralling storyline, but it won’t be as brutal as the next set of episodes.
The first episode ofBlack MirrorSeason 7, “Common People”,chronicles the journey of Amanda (played by Rashida Jones) and Mike (played by Chris O’Dowd), a happily married couple celebrating their wedding anniversary. Everything between them is perfect. They are leading a good life and are happy with each other. Mike has been working in the manufacturing sector for 10 years, while Amanda is a teacher. The scale of the technology is so large that autonomous drone insects are being used for pollination.
Black Mirror Season 7' Common People Hits On A Relatable Fear
While celebrating their anniversary at Juniper, it is revealed that the couple is trying to have a baby. After having sex, Amanda starts having headaches, and Mike gives her the medicines she’s been taking for these headaches. The next day, while teaching her students at school, Amanda falls on the floor and is taken to a hospital. Mike reaches the hospital only to know that his wife may never come back because of the clot that is located in her brain, and the worst part is that it’s been growing. Although the doctor believes there is no simple solution to this, she gives him the name of a new startup that could help him.
Mike and Amanda’s lives are going to be changed forever, but not for good. Mike meets Gaynor (played by Tracee Ellis Ross), a representative of Rivermind Technologies,which helps people through cutting-edge technology.This would allow her to live her life. What’s it going to cost them? $300 a month, but the surgery is free. A perfect example of how these big tech companies lure people in the name of giving something for free.
Rivermind offers a timely and compelling look at how technology and capitalism intersect at the most vulnerable moments. The story of Amanda and Mike begins as a heartfelt drama about love and survival, but quickly turns into a sharp critique of subscription-based healthcare. The episode cleverly explores how tech companies disguise control as care, luring people in with “free” solutions that come with hidden costs. While the episode raises great questions about consent, control, and digital dependence, it sometimes plays too safe and doesn’t fully push the horror of its concept. Moreover, it takes a lot of time to reach the exciting parts, but when it reaches there, it makes everyone realize the magnitude of the problem.
Imagine a human unknowingly tuned into hidden frequencies,catching signals from servers meant for machines. They start blabbering out ads and product pitches like a possessed radio, their voice shifting into eerie, over-friendly tones. It’s like watching a glitch in the matrix—unsettling, unnatural, and terrifyingly possible. The line between free will and programmed messaging begins to blur.
“Common People” might be subtle, but it’s equally terrifying
One of the strongest aspects of this episode is how real it is. People, nowadays, use apps, and they are forced to buy premium packages if they need full services. However, it costs them a considerable amount of money. That’s what happened to Mike and Amanda. Even though everything begins as a touching act of devotion, it soon spirals into a nightmarish loss of agency. Amanda becomes a subject to constant data optimization, emotional regulation algorithms, and invasive surveillance under the guise of wellness. Her thoughts are filtered, and worst of all, her ability to choose is stripped away. Rivermind is positioned as both a miracle and a menace. It’s a fascinating character in itself—aloof, clinical, and disturbingly omniscient. As Amanda begins to regain consciousness within the confines of this artificial system, the horror reveals itself: she’s alive, yes—but is she free?
“Common People"has an unnerving tone,which makes it even more terrifying. The episode doesn’t feature any gore to make viewers feel nervous; it uses real-life stuff in a subtle way that keeps everything normal, yet so scary. The performances are grounded, and most of the episode only features Jones, O’Dowd, and Ross portraying their respective characters. O’Dowd is brilliant in his portrayal and performs the character of a helpless husband with precision, while Jones is mesmerizing as Amanda.
On the other hand, Ross’s portrayal is eerie because of how normal she makes everything look, even though the couple is losing their minds over everything that’s been happening to them. The direction keeps things personal and close, focusing more on emotion than flashy effects. We often see quiet, powerful moments, like Amanda lying still in her hospital bed, while glimpses of the couple trying to fight back against the system. These scenes feel haunting and real. The writing stays grounded and avoids over-the-top drama, instead asking tough, meaningful questions: Who gets to decide what it means to truly live? And when does caring for someone turn into controlling them?
Moreover, the story critiques our obsession with prolonging life at any cost and questions whether the act of “saving” someone justifies turning them into a product. The visuals are sleek and sterile, contrasting Amanda’s former warm, human world with the cold, digital prison she’s now trapped in.
“Common People"is a classicBlack Mirrorepisode that is speculative yet deeply human, showing how even love and wellness can be weaponized by technology. It is a cautionary tale that lingers, forcing everyone to ask about the real cost of keeping someone alive when their freedom dies in the process. Although it’s clear that things are not going to change overnight, this episode might be a warning for people who are experiencing similar situations and are deeply immersed in them.
