Black Mirror has earned a reputation for its thought-provoking and often unsettling endings, and Season 6 presents one of its darkest conclusions to date. In the episode titled “Beyond the Sea,” actors Aaron Paul and Josh Hartnett deliver captivating performances as astronauts Cliff and David, whose lives take a horrific turn as the story unfolds.
The Space Mission and Earth Replicas
The episode revolves around Cliff and David, embarking on a six-year space mission while leaving behind their “Earth replicas.” These replicas allow them to interact with their families through connected pods, experiencing life on Earth while fulfilling their duties in space. It sets the stage for an intriguing narrative.
Tragedy Strikes: David’s Devastating Loss
Josh Hartnett’s character, David, endures a devastating loss when his replica witnesses his family being mercilessly murdered by a cult of anti-replica extremists. The episode draws eerie parallels to the infamous Manson Family murders of 1969, with Auden Thornton’s portrayal of David’s wife bearing a resemblance to Sharon Tate. This adds an unsettling layer to the narrative, set in 1968, just before the real-life tragedy.
Disconnection and Compassion: David’s Plight
Following the brutal slaying of his family, David finds himself emotionally disconnected from Earth. Unable to grieve or seek solace outside the confines of the space station, he experiences profound isolation. In a surprising act of empathy, Cliff’s wife Lana (played by Kate Mara) suggests that her husband allows David to use his replica to establish a connection with home, hoping it would aid in his healing process. However, they are unaware of the consequences this compassion will bring.
Infatuation and Confrontation: David’s Obsession
As David spends time on Earth, he becomes infatuated with Lana, going to great lengths to convince her to let him stay in Cliff’s place. However, Lana firmly rejects his advances, leading to a confrontation between David and her son, Henry. Tensions escalate, and David strikes Henry after his oil painting is vandalized. Although Lana chooses not to disclose this incident to Cliff, she pleads with him to prevent David’s return to the space station.
Secrets Unveiled: Cliff’s Discovery
Cliff eventually discovers David’s obsession with his wife through provocative sketches found on the station. Confronting David about his actions, David claims it was all a product of fantasy and a misunderstanding. The ensuing conversation between Cliff and Lana forces them to confront their own feelings and desires, culminating in Cliff asserting his dominance over Lana and cutting off David’s access to her.
Revenge Unleashed: David’s Twisted Plan
Consumed by grief and loss, David devises a plan to exact revenge on Cliff and regain what he believes was stolen from him: his family and his connection to Earth. Manipulating an incident outside the space station, David lures Cliff into a spacewalk, seizing the opportunity to hijack his replica and return to Earth. When Cliff awakens in his home, he is met with a grisly scene—his hands and face covered in blood, his worst fears realized.
Unseen Horrors: The Grisly Aftermath
The true horror of the situation lies in the viewer’s imagination, as the episode strategically avoids explicitly showing what David has done to Cliff’s family. Yet, the smeared blood on the stairs and the pool of blood in the kitchen leave no doubt that a brutal struggle has taken place. The phenomenal performances by Josh Hartnett, Kate Mara, and Aaron Paul add to the visceral impact of this haunting scene, evoking a deep sense of loss and despair.
Cruel Punishment: David’s Consequences for Cliff
David’s actions serve as a cruel form of punishment, disciplining Cliff for failing to appreciate the life he had. To further intensify the horror, the final scene depicts David awaiting Cliff’s return, subtly acknowledging the consequences of his actions. Aware that Cliff cannot return to Earth without being accused of his family’s murder, David forces him to remain in space, trapped with his loved one’s killer for the next four years. The chilling reality is that both men are left with two options: kill each other or continue their work in the desolate confines of the spacecraft.
“Beyond the Sea” takes audiences on a journey of darkness and despair. The episode delves into themes of loss, revenge, and the devastating consequences of unchecked obsession. With its bleak ending, it serves as a haunting reminder of the twisted possibilities that Black Mirror consistently presents to its viewers. Through exceptional performances and thought-provoking storytelling, the episode captivates viewers, leaving them with lingering contemplation on the depths of human darkness.