Bete Noire Ending Explanation: Did Verity Truly Manipulate Reality?

Warning: This article features discussions surrounding suicide and contains SPOILERS for Black Mirror’s season 7, episode 2, titled “Bête Noire”.

Black Mirror’s Haunting Return in “Bête Noire”

The second episode of Black Mirror’s seventh season dives deep into the show’s hallmark unsettling narrative, delivering a chilling conclusion to Maria and Verity’s intertwined lives. While both characters attended the same high school, their paths rarely intersected, making Verity’s sudden appearance at Maria’s workplace all the more troubling. What initially appears to be a casual visit for a taste test soon escalates into a disconcerting search for employment, setting the stage for a shift towards a gripping mystery.

As Maria’s wariness of Verity grows, her life begins to spiral out of control. Despite her confidence over trivial matters, like the name of her boyfriend’s former workplace, evidence repeatedly undermines Maria’s certainty. Verity seamlessly alters even recorded evidence, including CCTV footage, propelling the episode towards a shocking climax that establishes “Bête Noire”as potentially one of the finest episodes in the series’ latest season.

Verity’s Manipulation of Reality Through Technology

A Quantum Computer’s Role in Shaping Perception

Maria’s fears about Verity are validated in the episode’s conclusion, revealing that the pendant Verity possesses profoundly influences reality. After being dismissed from her job, Maria stalks Verity home, uncovering a room filled with high-tech computer systems. Here, she discovers that the pendant operates a quantum compiler, allowing Verity to seemingly alter reality itself.

While the past remains unchanged, the present is manipulated: people now accept Verity’s version of reality without question. Verity demonstrates this power, stating, “Technically it’s not really changing anything. It just retunes our corporal frequency to one of the realities where whatever I’ve said has always been true.” This manipulation explains why everyone except Maria suddenly recalls the chicken shop’s name incorrectly, showcasing the terrifying potential of Verity’s technological prowess.

With her ability to control perceptions, Verity targets Maria, the only person aware of the alterations. The twist reveals a sophisticated manipulation of events designed to drive Maria insane while allowing Verity to maintain her grip on their shared reality.

The Power Shift: Maria Seizes Control

A Dramatic Turn of Events

Dramatic turns define the climax of “Bête Noire”as Maria fights to reclaim her reality. In a chaotic exchange, Verity manipulates events to frame Maria as unstable, which culminates in Maria shooting Verity decisively. This pivotal act allows Maria to get access to the pendant, utilizing her former friend’s fingerprint to gain control over the quantum compiler.

Relying on sheer instinct, Maria declares, “The pendant works for me,” leading to a striking shift as she rewrites the narrative, convincing the authorities that Verity was responsible for her own demise. This manipulation empowers Maria in a dramatic reversal of fortune, leaving her defined as “the Empress of the Universe,”cementing her newfound dominion over the pendant’s capabilities.

Despite the implausibility of her swift triumph over a well-constructed system, Maria’s action raises questions about the unexpected vulnerabilities inherent in Verity’s technology. While potential sequels to “Bête Noire”remain unlikely, the prospect of Maria’s next steps with her newfound power remains enticing.

The Roots of Verity’s Vendetta

Consequences of Bullying in High School

The motives driving Verity’s malicious actions become apparent as the complexities of their past unfold. Early on, Maria admits to having participated in bullying Verity throughout their school years—the catalyst for Verity’s destructive obsession. However, she deceptively downplays her role in initiating harmful rumors that plagued Verity, which ultimately isolated her throughout high school.

During their final confrontation, Verity reveals the long-lasting impact of these events, highlighting Maria’s role in creating a fabricated story that marred her life. Driven by a desire for retribution, Verity’s complex reality-altering capabilities serve as tools for revenge against those who wronged her.

The Fate of Natalie and Its Consequences

Unraveling the Impact of Verity’s Actions

Natalie’s subplot, though limited, becomes pivotal in illuminating the darker themes at play. Upon reconnecting with her, Maria learns Natalie has tragically taken her own life, raising unsettling questions about Verity’s influence over her demise. Before encountering Maria, Verity had already targeted Natalie, manipulating her reality and contributing to her unraveling—ultimately leading to Natalie’s death.

While the episode does not confirm whether Verity directly caused Natalie’s end, it strongly suggests that Verity’s manipulation played a central role in the tragic outcome. This mirrors the profound themes of trauma and societal impact that Black Mirror often explores, enhancing the episode’s chilling effect.

Charlie Brooker’s Perspective on the Ending

A Lighter Twist Amid Dark Themes

Reflecting on the episode’s conclusion, creator Charlie Brooker emphasizes a unique approach. As reported by Tudum by Netflix, Brooker crafted an ending that balances despair with unexpected triumph as Maria rises against adversity. He describes the finale as having a “joke ending,” slightly absurd compared to the show’s usually grim conclusions.

Brooker initially imagined a darker resolution for Maria but ultimately opted for a more colorful, whimsical twist. His commentary reveals the duality of both characters’ natures—struggling with their demons yet engaging in absurdity, ultimately leading to a unique culmination that reinforces the complex moral narratives present in the series.

Decoding “Bête Noire”: A Commentary on Revenge and Trauma

Understanding the Episode’s Title and Its Implications

The episode title, translated literally as “black beast,”symbolizes a significant theme—being the target of disdain. Verity’s experience of shunning throughout her school life culminates in a desire to reshape Maria’s reality, as she seeks retribution for years of bullying. By manipulating perceptions, Verity turns those close to Maria against her, illustrating the deeply rooted consequences of cruelty.

While Maria could easily alter her fate post-credits, the nature of her choices remains an open-ended question. The intricate narrative of “Bête Noire”emphasizes the themes of hatred and revenge guided by trauma, making it a thought-provoking installment that resonates deeply within Black Mirror’s rich anthology.

Source: Tudum by Netflix

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