Fans of Charlie Brooker‘s speculative science fiction/horror series BLACK MIRROR on Netflix will want to check out three new, short versions of the series which have just dropped on YouTube. Included on the channels of the three directors, these are called STORIES FROM OUR FUTURE and are not branded as BLACK MIRROR in an attempt to expand the concept of the series … this seems a strange decision to me, as if you like BLACK MIRROR you will want to watch these mini-episodes! And we’re always told that branding is all!
The three stories are apparently based on ‘fan’ ideas and concepts within the BLACK MIRROR universe, but whatever their provenance, they are utterly superb!
A CURE FOR LONELINESS is a marvellous piece on a lonely young man who gets a robot as a companion but then meets a girl … it’s impressively shot and edited and the acting is top notch … Really enjoyable!
GETTING TO KNOW YOU is a riff on dating where a married guy meets a girl online and they take it to the next level. Another superb story, well played out and with a nice kicker at the end.
THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE is the final one and this covers a new vaping like drug which promises the earth to its users … but delivers something else entirely. Another great little story.
Each of these stories is less than ten minutes long, and, impressively, all are told with no dialogue whatsoever, just music. An incredible tour de force to be honest, and something very exciting indeed.
My only complaint is that none of them has credits. I’d like to know who the cast and crew are for each! Apart from this, they are essential viewing for all fans of BLACK MIRROR, and indeed all fans of good storytelling and filmmaking. Totally recommended.
The three episodes can be found on YouTube or watch them below:
David J Howe, is the author and co-author of numerous books about the TV Show “Doctor Who”, as well as being a freelance writer and Editorial Director of Telos Publishing Ltd.
