Nosedive

I hope this never happens in real life. My rating would be really lame and I think I would go crazy.

Oh the irony of giving this a star-based rating. This episode was brilliantly acted by Bryce Dallas Howard, she gives an extremely well executed nuanced performance that makes you understand the subtle shifts in tones. This episode is by far a breath of fresh air with the comedic aspects that are included, and the satisfying ending giving some sort of "hope." Most "Black Mirror" episodes end in a very dull and mouth dropping way after revealing a big plot twist. The twist in this episode is that it ends refreshingly hopeful, and somewhat optimistic while still conveying a great message for society-no one is perfect, and we shouldn't spend our time trying to be something that isn't realistic, especially when it's for show. One can be fully realized through self actualization whilst being completely authentic. Authenticity is something that this episode explores, while showing you the downside to social media and its effect on society.

This is one of my favorite premises of any Black Mirror episode to date, especially given the current growing and ever evolving state of social media. This episode also creates one of the most realistic and immersive future settings (I wouldn't even mind a spin-off mini-series set in this universe exploring characters of different social rankings) and Bryce Dallas Howard is a fantastic protagonist that grows more likable and relatable as the episode progresses. This episode plays on the age-old "one bad day" theme to enjoyment of the viewer at the expense of Lacie. However, eventually we see how far one can fall in only a few hours and how much social rating costs in the future. My only real complaint about this episode has been a continuing theme throughout this season (with the exception of White Christmas), the ending. We are giving a glimpse into what some might see as a dark future, but really most people seem happy. So the flow of the episode is happy, slightly less happy, dark glimpse, happy ending. Maybe they should have just made it a few minutes longer or cut something else, but their needed to be a little bit longer at rock bottom, a little more darkness, before the hope and happiness at the end.

In a world where everyone does everything for the sake of social media status, this episode is one of the most concurrent and scarily 'close to home' to date. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Lacie exceptionally and although some may say it seemed dragged out, I thought it was very suitable for the episode. The pastel visuals were great, and the subtle technological advancements encapsulated the Black Mirror feel. The bigger budget is evident in a lot of scenes which can sometimes take away from things but mostly aids the story. If you're an avid social media user, this episode will definitely make you question why you make certain social connections, and whose acceptance are you trying to gain. Hope you found this helpful. Maybe leave me a five-star rating :)

This programme is everything I've learned to love about "Black Mirror". It is a wonderful satire about our obsession with social media and the approval of our peers.

Hand on heart, it started slowly for me, both in terms of pacing and content, but my engagement and investment in the characters and story seemed to grow exponentially throughout. The final exchange is magnificent.

I would enjoy delving more into the different stories within this world. To follow the lives of differently rated people.

This is science fiction at its very best. Nosedive uses a fictional social construct to examine our faults and give us further personal insight to the unhealthy obsession we have over the thoughts of others, the desire for recognition and the facades we present to those we 'love'.

Bravo.