Netflix fans are only just working out creepy meaning behind Black Mirror name

07 December 2023 , 18:30

581     0

Black Mirror writer has spilled the detail on his show's elusive title (Image: James Gillham/REX/Shutterstock)

Netflix hit Black Mirror has officially been renewed for a seventh season.

The cult-show depicts a variety of different scenarios set in a dystopian future. Each episode is standalone, with different cast, and clever commentary on society's relationship with technology and eachother.

Written by Charlie Brooker, the Emmy-winning sci-fi anthology has featured a slew of A-listers, from Miley Cyrus to Schitt's Creek star Annie Murphy. It is never afraid to spark controversy, covering disturbing topics such as child porography and murder.

But, what does the title actually mean? Is Black Mirror just a scary-sounding tagline, or is there a hidden meaning?

Talking to Channel 4 about the title, Brooker revealed that it's supposed to symbolise a TV screen when turned off. "Because any TV, any LCD, any iPhone, any iPad - something like that - if you just stare at it, it looks like a black mirror, and there's something cold and horrifying about that," he added.

'I don't want children staying up late at weekends - I really need adult time'

"And it was such a fitting title for the show. I mean I don't know what else we would've called it... Spooky Technology Time? It would've been rubbish. I like the fact that people are watching it on their TV or on their laptop, or their smartphone or whatever and then as the end credits start running and the screen cuts to black, they see themselves reflected."

Last month, Apple TV+ dropped a new film that fans said has 'Black Mirror vibes' and could be the most 'underrated film of the year'. Fingernails follows Anna (Jessie Buckley) and Ryan (Jeremy Allen White), a couple who have found true love. It's been proven by a controversial new technology that proves whether two partners really are in love.

There's just one problem, Anna's not totally sure. Then she takes a position at a love testing institute, and meets Amir (Riz Ahmed). The film blends dystopian sci-fi and romance and is driven by the performances of its award-winning cast.

It has a similar narrative to Yorgos Lanthimos' The Lobster - which sees characters turns to animals if they fail to find their true suitor.

What's your favourite Black Mirror episode? Let us know in the comments section below

Liam Gilliver