After watching all three episodes of Charlie Brooker's intelligent, experimental and imaginative show, Black Mirror back in 2011 I was excited to see that Channel 4 was releasing a new series. To someone who doesn't tend to venture far from Eastenders or Downton Abbey (like my housemates), Black Mirror can seem very far-fetched and unrealistic, but thanks to my three years of studying a degree in Drama, I was able to see deeper into the crazy and often sickening (''The National Anthem') plot lines. I, unlike my housemates who mocked the entire series, could see what Brooker was trying to achieve through his futuristic writing style.
So I sat down ready for the first of three episodes of 'Be Right Back', intrigued to see what he had come up with this time and I am so glad I did as this, in my opinion, was the best episode of them all. The whole series in general was made up of beautifully written and acted pieces of drama, but the subject matter explored in this specific episode deeply affected me at an emotional level. Like many of his other works, Brooker explores the concept of technology and how it is constantly progressing and taking more of an active role in controlling the way we live. With new iphones, tablets, cameras and laptops emerging every day in today's society, 'Be Right Back' felt dauntingly real and justifiable.
The episode began with a couple, clearly living in a future year where technology has greatly advanced. Brooker takes no time in getting straight into the action and before the first ad-break has even arrived, the male character loses his life (presumably in a car accident). As a complete sap who strangely enjoys anything remotely tear jerking or romantic, I became fully immersed and emotionally engaged with the widowed protagonist. If this was Eastenders I would have shed a few tears, gone to bed and forgotten about it by the next day; however, Brooker's innovative twist left this 48 minute programme etched in my mind for days to come.
With the opportunity to reconnect with her dead husband through a new form of technology that compiles information from his past online networking to form realistic responses, Martha enters the dangerous yet addictive realm of communication with the deceased (or a vitual form!). During the one hour
duration of the programme I constantly criticised her for giving in to use this software and stunting her ability to let go and move on from her loss; however, once the
credits had rolled (along with a few tears) I began to consider whether I would have done the same. It
forced me to consider the pain and desperation felt when losing a loved one and
posed the question, what are the boundaries of technological development? Companies are relentlessly trying to invent new, innovative gadgets to help improve our lives, but at what point do they stop improving and start ruining?
Overall 'Be Right Back' was an incredibly moving piece of drama that I highly recommend anyone to watch. I will be keeping an eye out for more of Brooker's work in the future as I find it inspiring and deeply thought provoking.
If you want to watch it you can do so here:
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