Netflix’s Black Mirror Presents a Moving Episode with “Eulogy”
In its seventh season, Netflix’s Black Mirror continues to explore the frontiers of speculative narrative, but in an unexpected turn, the anthology series embraces a gentler, more emotional tone with its latest episode, “Eulogy.” Renowned for its grim and dystopian portrayals of technology’s pitfalls, creator Charlie Brooker instead provides a touching reflection on memory, grief, and affection — all through the perspective of futuristic advancements.
“Eulogy,” the fifth episode of the new season, features Paul Giamatti as Phillip, a reclusive, middle-aged individual who receives an unexpected invitation to engage in a novel funeral experience. The twist? It’s fueled by AI and immersive memory technology that enables users to virtually step into their own photographs — literally traversing moments from their history. What unfolds is one of the most heartfelt and subtly impactful entries in the series’ legacy, drawing parallels to the adored “San Junipero” episode from Season 3.
A Shift from Darkness
Black Mirror has typically been associated with tech-based anxieties — a reflection of our deepest fears regarding the digital era. From the pitfalls of social media to AI oversight, the show frequently investigates how technological progress can heighten our most sinister inclinations. However, “Eulogy” introduces a rare instance of warmth. Here, technology ceases to be a harbinger of despair but transforms into a conduit to the past — a means for reconnection, contemplation, and emotional resolution.
The emotional heart of the episode centers on Phillip’s rediscovery of Carol, a former love who has recently died. When an AI company presents him with the opportunity to relive memories of her through a new immersive venture, he hesitantly consents. What commences as a doubtful trial rapidly evolves into a deeply personal odyssey.
Memory Brought to Life
The technology in “Eulogy” is straightforward yet profound. A small device, delivered via drone, attaches to Phillip’s temple, allowing him to access old photographs. These still images transform into fully realized spaces — vibrant with sound, color, and movement. In one particularly poignant scene, Phillip enters a years-old gathering, with The Stone Roses’ “Fool’s Gold” resonating in the background. The smoke, the clinking of glasses, the joyous laughter — all of it becomes tangible once more. And there, amidst the crowd, is Carol.
As Phillip delves deeper into these recollections, the guiding AI assists in reconstructing the emotional terrain of his past. Through monologues and quiet instances, we come to understand the depth of his love for Carol, the dreams they shared, and the sorrow that ensued. “Talking with her was easy,” he confesses to the AI, his voice breaking. “She was humorous… she was unlike anyone I’d ever known.”
A Tale of Affection, Regret, and Time
“Eulogy” serves as both a ghost story and a love tale. It explores the lingering presence of what might have been — the relationships that elude us and the memories that persist long after. As Phillip relives his moments with Carol, he is compelled to confront both the beauty of their bond and the anguish of its dissolution. The immersive technology doesn’t merely recreate the past — it requires him to confront it.
Paul Giamatti delivers an exceptional performance, conveying the quiet pain of a man wrestling with unresolved sorrow. His depiction of Phillip is nuanced and profoundly human, allowing the episode’s emotional moments to resonate with devastating clarity. The score, cinematography, and pacing coalesce to cultivate a dreamlike ambiance that feels both nostalgic and surreal.
A New Path for Black Mirror?
“Eulogy” distinguishes itself not only for its emotional impact but also for its implications regarding the future direction of Black Mirror. While the series will likely persist in examining the darker facets of technology, this episode confirms its capacity to narrate introspective, tender, and even optimistic stories.
By employing technology as a vehicle for healing rather than harm, “Eulogy” broadens the thematic scope of the series. It reminds us that innovation doesn’t have to embody dystopia — it can also be profoundly humane. In a world increasingly characterized by swift technological evolution, the episode conveys a quiet, powerful lesson: that sometimes, the most significant use of technology is not to alter the future, but to find peace with the past.
Conclusion
“Eulogy” is a remarkable chapter in Black Mirror’s seventh season — a skillfully crafted episode that exchanges the series’ typical cynicism for something more heartfelt. With a captivating performance by Paul Giamatti, a hauntingly immersive concept, and a narrative that remains with you long after the credits, it stands as a testament to the emotional depth the series can achieve when it chooses to introspect.
Whether you’re a long-time admirer or a newcomer to the series, “Eulogy” is essential viewing — a reminder that even in
