‘Black Mirror’ Study Guide: Be Right Back

This episode: who we are online will come to define how we’re remembered. Also: the allure of technology.

‘Black Mirror’ is a satirical anthology series that examines the dark aspects of modern society, particularly as it relates to our relationship with technology. Each standalone episode presents a picture of a world that’s futuristic, yet believable; cool, yet horrifying. Each of these study guides will touch on some of the themes the episode explores.

Who We Are Online Will Be How We’re Remembered

“Be Right Back” tells the story of Martha’s bereavement after her phone-obsessed boyfriend, Ash, suddenly dies. Martha (Hayley Atwell) is introduced to an experimental service that reconnects the living with the dead. Using photos, videos, and other data available online, the service offers the ability for the living to talk to their deceased loved ones. The more data you input — in this case, there was a lot — the more accurate the service’s version of your deceased loved one would be.