White Christmas (Black Mirror TV Series)

The finale of season two, "White Christmas" describes a future in which individuals can effectively upload their brains into a small device known as a cookie. These cookies become electronic clones and are then used for a myriad of reasons ranging from criminal investigation to personal convenience. Directed by Carl Tibbetts and written by Charlie Brooker, this addition to the thrilling Black Mirror series continues to push the limits on how technology will shape human interaction and emotion.

 In the episode, John Hamm plays Matt Trent, a suave and attractive consultant who excels at human manipulation. Using several moments flashback, the narrative follows Matt's conversation with Joe Potter, played by Rafe Spall. Over time, the audience discovers the depth of their transgressions. The episode also implements a technology in which individuals can "block" one another through devices implanted in their eyes. This "blocking" blurs the image of the "blocked" person and mutes all communication between parties. In this dystopian world, this technology is often applied as a punishment.

This episode brings to light several questions about the ramifications of cloning and access to limitless data. "White Christmas"  to ask whether or not downloaded brains should be considered human and given human rights. Like all of Black Mirror, this season finale paints a shocking image of how technology will change society. 

Associated Place(s)

Event date:

16 Dec 2014