The second episode of Season 7 of the acclaimed anthology series “Black Mirror” is called “Common People.” It has challenged audiences to come to terms with its haunting themes and shocking emotional weight. Written by the show’s creator, Charlie Brooker, the episode touches on those very themes. It fearlessly critiques capitalism, specifically underscoring the way that subscription-based models affect people’s daily lives.
In Common People, Amanda (Rashida Jones) receives the heartbreaking news that she has a brain tumor. As her condition deteriorates, she makes the decision to undergo an experimental medical procedure, Rivermind. This new treatment promises to prolong her life, but at a severe cost. The treatment comes with perpetual subscription costs that increase each year, creating a staggering financial burden on Amanda’s partner, Mike. What they’re returning to is a harrowing reality. The episode poignantly shows how economic pressures destroy quality of life and test the bonds between loved ones.
The story powerfully exposes the burdens imposed to individuals by profiting from the commodification of health care. Amanda’s struggle with Rivermind becomes emblematic of a broader societal issue where survival hinges on one’s financial situation. The episode poignantly depicts Amanda’s deteriorating state as expenses become impossible to manage. It sheds light on the devastating impacts experienced by so many in a system that prioritizes profit over people.
Read more about how viewers are reacting to “Common People” on social media. It’s no wonder that many have declared it the “one of the most heartbreaking episode[s]” they’ve ever watched. It’s a deeply engrossing emotional story that encourages conversations about the ethics of current day healthcare practices.
“It’s a direct criticism of the ethics of modern healthcare system, which is now centered on commodification of people’s health,” – an X user remarked.
The episode’s sudden popularity has led to discussions of its apparent satire of Netflix, which famously increases its subscription prices on a regular basis. Some fans pointed out that Brooker’s portrayal of a subscription model for medical care reflects the streaming giant’s own tiered pricing strategies.
“Charlie Brooker writing the Common People episode of Black Mirror knowing very well it satirises Netflix’s own bulls