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Note: This article discusses events from “Black Mirror” Season 7, Episode 3, “Hotel Reverie,” and contains spoilers.
In the episode “Hotel Reverie” from “Black Mirror,” viewers encounter Brandy Friday (played by Issa Rae), a Hollywood star who finds herself immersed in a vintage romance film. This narrative unfolds a surreal love story between Brandy and an AI-generated character, portrayed by Emma Corrin as a classic 1940s film star named Dorothy Chambers.
Creator Charlie Brooker draws from cinematic classics like “Brief Encounter” and “Casablanca,” which served as significant references as Corrin prepared for her role. “I’ve been exploring a lot of ’40s films, especially with my current focus on Jimmy Stewart’s work,” Corrin shared with TheWrap, emphasizing the importance of capturing the unique “energy and tone” that sets that era’s performances apart from contemporary acting styles.
As Brandy steps into the narrative world of “Hotel Reverie,” aided by characters played by Awkwafina and Harriet Walter, she discovers that the other characters, including Clara, readily accept her role as Dr. Alex Palmer, despite the disparity in her appearance compared to the original male lead reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart. Brandy navigates this bizarre situation until a technological malfunction immobilizes the film, thrusting her and Clara into a surreal limbo, where she reveals to Clara the truth of their existence — that they are part of a movie and that Clara is an artificial construct. Brooker remarked that this revelation “fractures something” within Clara.
Initially resistant to the concept, Clara experiences an overwhelming influx of memories belonging to Dorothy, leading to a crucial moment where she becomes aware of her dual identity. Brooker noted this transformation as a pivotal shift, while Corrin described it as a blending of identities — both Clara and Dorothy coexist within her after this awakening.
The unfolding romance between Clara and Brandy deepens while the film’s narrative remains paused, highlighted by a poignant exchange where Dorothy confesses her love for Brandy, prompting Brandy to question the authenticity of their feelings. Rae elucidated that while this affection is genuine for Brandy, it raises questions about the reality within which they’re existing. As Corrin observed, the episode challenges viewers to reconsider what is deemed real and the contexts in which true human connection can form.
As the film resumes, Clara’s memories are wiped, but Brooker indicates that remnants of Dorothy remain with her. “When the film resets, she emerges as mostly Clara but infused with aspects of Dorothy,” he explained. This character evolution suggests Clara now possesses a greater sense of agency.
Despite the conclusion of the film, Brandy remains emotionally tethered to Clara and contemplates eschewing the final line of the movie that would signal her departure back to reality. In a climactic scene, she ultimately says, “I’ll be yours forevermore,” which triggers her return to the real world. However, the story leaves room for continuation as Brandy receives a package that allows her to speak with a previous iteration of Dorothy, hinting at unresolved connections.
Awkwafina remarked on the genuine nature of the bond Brandy formed with Clara, arguing that memories are foundational to human connections, and even absent memories, there exists a lingering essence of their experience. Rae expressed hope that Brandy would find a tangible romance in her reality, reflecting Brandy’s desire for excitement and meaningful connection that extends beyond the artificial confines of the film.
Brooker acknowledged that “Hotel Reverie” portrays a less ominous narrative surrounding AI compared to previous installations of “Black Mirror.” However, Rae raised concerns about the ethical implications of technology interfering with artistic integrity, criticizing the recasting and manipulation of creative works as a form of violation against original filmmakers. Corrin echoed this sentiment, expressing unease about the potential for AI to overshadow creative expression.
Awkwafina noted that the episode reflects real-world dilemmas, especially during times of economic hardship, where ethics may become blurred. The relevance of such themes persists as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with AI’s evolving role. Rae highlighted her apprehensions about the boundaries of technology and its encroachment on storytelling, cautioning against the desire to reconstruct beloved narratives with artificial means.
As they reflect on the intersection of technology and humanity, the cast conveys a cautious optimism for finding balance and understanding in this new landscape.
“Black Mirror” Season 7 is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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www.thewrap.com