Exploring the Dark Parallels of Black Mirror’s “Common People” and the Film Companion
The highly anticipated season 7 of Black Mirror kicks off with a remarkable episode, “Common People.” This installment introduces innovative technology while resurrecting unsettling themes drawn from one of the year’s standout horror films, Companion. Compared to its predecessors, season 7 carries a distinctly darker tone that resonates with the eerie essence of the show’s earlier seasons, making “Common People” a compelling showcase of its trademark unsettling narratives.
Plot Overview of “Common People”
At the heart of “Common People” is the story of Amanda (Rashida Jones) and her husband Mike (Chris O’Dowd), whose lives spiral into turmoil following Amanda’s medical crisis caused by a brain tumor. Mike is presented with an unorthodox treatment, the RiverMind service, which has the potential to save Amanda’s life—but at a cost that becomes increasingly burdensome. As the couple struggles to adapt to the escalating demands of the treatment, they unwittingly step into a realm eerily reminiscent of the psychological horror showcased in *Companion*.
Unveiling RiverMind Lux: Technological Parallels
The RiverMind treatment initially seems advantageous, allowing Amanda to enjoy additional sleep. However, as the service evolves, the couple faces mounting pressure to upgrade. Their journey propels them towards RiverMind Lux, which promises to restore a semblance of normality in Amanda’s life, albeit for a steep price. A standout characteristic of RiverMind Lux is its ability to manipulate emotions through a dedicated app, a feature that blurs ethical boundaries.
Comparative Aspects: RiverMind Lux vs. Companion’s Iris
At the onset of her subscription, Amanda enjoys normalcy, but as RiverMind introduces more aggressive advertising and demands for upgrades, her reality shifts dramatically. After acquiring a 12-hour booster for Amanda’s emotional enhancement, Mike gives her a special 30-minute anniversary booster aimed at increasing her sense of tranquility. This unsettling element echoes themes from *Companion*, where the android Iris (Sophie Thatcher) is subjected to similarly coercive emotional enhancements by her owner, Josh (Jack Quaid).
Why “Common People” Provokes Greater Disturbance than Companion
While both “Common People” and *Companion* explore the manipulation of consciousness through technology, the critical distinction lies in the nature of the individuals involved. Companion’s Iris is designed as an artificial entity, programmed for loyalty and protection, yet she remains bound by her nature as a machine. In stark contrast, Amanda’s consciousness is affected through a medical treatment, making her struggle profoundly human.
Furthermore, RiverMind Lux’s approach is significantly more ruthless, prioritizing profit over the genuine welfare of its patients. Although the emotion-modulating app may seem beneficial in specific contexts—such as allowing Amanda to experience tranquility in her final moments—it ultimately raises ethical concerns that align perfectly with the chilling narratives characteristic of Black Mirror.