Black Mirror Season 7: A Return to Roots in “Bête Noire”
The acclaimed series Black Mirror has made its long-awaited comeback with Season 7, showcasing a captivating episode titled “Bête Noire.”This installment embraces the show’s origins by featuring a diverse array of emerging British talent alongside some of the industry’s most distinguished actors such as Criston Milioto, Will Poulter, Peter Capaldi, and Paul Giamatti. Though it’s premature to fully assess the audience’s response to this season, it has undoubtedly captivated viewers with its strong performances and audacious storytelling. Notably, the sequel to “USS Callister”marks a unique moment as the series revisits storylines from previous episodes, illustrating a willingness to innovate within the framework of its anthology format.
“Bête Noire”leans heavily into the thriller genre, echoing some of the most memorable aspects of the series. The gripping narrative unfolds as the protagonist, Marie, strives to unveil the unsettling truth behind her colleague Verity. The episode effectively cultivates a tense atmosphere, with the young cast delivering commendable performances that suggest several breakout stars may emerge from this effort.
| Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Siena Kelly | Maria |
| Rosy McEwen | Verity |
| Michael Workeye | Kae |
| Ben Bailey Smith | Gabe |
| Ben Ashenden | Nick |
| Amber Grappy | Yudy |
| Hannah Griffiths | Luisa |
| Elena Sanz | Camille |
| Ravi Aujla | Mr. Ditta |
| Johnny Lavelle | Security Guard |
| Andy Apollo | AFO Bilton |
| Kwame Agyei | AFO West |
Siena Kelly as Maria
Born in 1996
- Active Since: 2018
Actor: Siena Kelly, a London native, stars as the lead character, Maria, in “Bête Noire.”Known for her performances in British series such as Domino Day and Adult Material, Kelly earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2021, marking her ascent in the industry. With Black Mirror being her most significant role to date, she has also contributed her voice acting skills to a Doctor Who podcast, showcasing her range and connection within the British entertainment circuit.
Rosy McEwen as Verity
Born in 1994
- Active Since: 2020
Actor: Also hailing from London, Rosy McEwen has made a name for herself in cinema. While she has appeared in series like The Alienist and Close to Me, her film roles in projects such as Blue Jean and Vesper highlight her versatility. McEwen’s involvement in Black Mirror‘s seventh season positions her for a wider audience, further enhancing her already promising career.
Ben Bailey Smith as Gabe
Born September 21, 1977
- Active Since: 2007
Actor: Ben Bailey Smith, a seasoned performer with extensive experience, has participated in notable productions, including Andor and Fleabag. In addition to acting, Smith, known as Doc Brown in his music career, has ventured into writing. His multifaceted background enriches his role as Gabe, a character who intertwines the professional life of Maria and Verity.
Michael Workeye as Kae
Active Since: 2019
Actor: Michael Workeye has quickly gained recognition since his debut, participating in various miniseries and features. His role in the 2024 romantic series My Lady Jane showcased his talent, leading to an opportunity in Black Mirror. As Kae, Maria’s boyfriend, he embodies both support and the challenge of recognizing Maria’s struggles.
Black Mirror: Bête Noire Cast & Character Guide
Bête Noire Features A Variety Of Exciting Talent
Ben Ashenden as Nick: Nick serves as Maria’s humorous co-worker, whose antics sometimes complicate things for her. Although his role is minor, Ashenden’s depth in acting shines through, contributing moments of levity amid the tension of the narrative.
Hannah Griffiths as Luisa: Luisa appears in supporting scenes, highlighting a relationship with Maria that lacks depth. One of her key moments involves a comedic confrontation about the theft of her almond milk, adding to the workplace dynamics.
Amber Grappy as Yudy: Yudy, the head of the kitchen at Ditta, maintains a positive, unobtrusive demeanor. Her role is limited but crucial as she navigates workplace politics while focusing on her responsibilities.
Elena Sanz as Camille: As the team leader for taste tests, Camille has sporadic appearances in which her control and management capabilities come into play, contributing to the episode’s overall balance.
Ravi Aujla as Mr. Ditta: Appearing briefly, Mr. Ditta represents the higher management of the company, evaluating Maria’s work. His balanced judgment adds gravitas to the episode while subtly influencing Maria’s professional journey.