Breaking Down the Mind-Bending Plot of Black Mirror S6E3: Beyond The Sea

In the latest season of Black Mirror, episode 3, "Beyond the Sea," audiences are taken on a journey into outer space for a thought-provoking character-focused drama. Starring Aaron Paul and Josh Hartnett as astronauts, the episode explores their escape from the mundanity of their mission by transferring their consciousness into cybernetic replicas of themselves on Earth. However, the serenity is soon shattered when a Manson Family-style cult invades David's home, leaving him to mourn the loss of his family alone on the spaceship. Meanwhile, Cliff tries to find a way to lift David's spirits and help him come to terms with the devastating tragedy. Spoilers ahead.

The Ugliness Of Jealousy

The season 6 episode "Beyond the Sea" runs for 80 minutes, making it the longest of the season. Director John Crowley takes his time to allow the audience to become familiar with the characters and the dynamics of their relationships. Similar to his work on the love triangle in Brooklyn, Crowley brings the characters' relationships to life. In addition, he also showcases his talent for creating visually stunning spectacles. The space sequences in "Beyond the Sea" are awe-inspiring, with Cliff's journey to repair the ship's broken parts being particularly breathtaking. The silence of space is captured with an eerie realism reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

David attempts to find solace in Cliff's company but to no avail. However, Cliff soon realizes that David needs to ground himself and step out of his own head. To help him do so, Cliff lends David his replica, which grants him a fresh perspective on life. David wanders around Cliff's farm and meets his wife, played by Kate Mara, creating a heartwarming bond between the two colleagues. This initially leads viewers to believe that the episode will follow in the footsteps of the beloved "San Junipero."

However, David soon becomes infatuated with Cliff's wife and devises a sinister plan to take over his life. Similar to the first season's "The Entire History of You," "Beyond the Sea" utilizes advanced technology to delve into the unpleasantness of jealousy. The envy is mutual in this case: David is envious of what Cliff has with his wife, and Cliff is worried about losing his wife to another man. This dynamic presents an intriguing acting challenge for Paul, as he must seamlessly switch between playing his own character and Hartnett's character in his replica body. Paul rises to the occasion, effortlessly conveying to the audience which character he is portraying through subtle mannerisms and speech patterns. Mara also faces her share of challenges, playing opposite two characters portrayed by a single actor, and she delivers an exceptional performance.

Silent Running Meets Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

The sci-fi elements of men cultivating plants in space and the intrusion of hippies into a private residence are seamlessly intertwined in "Beyond the Sea," which offers a unique blend of Silent Running and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Set in 1969, the show's adherence to period-accurate wardrobe and social norms takes us back to the early days of Black Mirror, paying tribute to the legendary series The Twilight Zone. Josh Hartnett's portrayal of David is stoic and reserved, reminiscent of a character straight out of Rod Serling's original series.

The finale of "Beyond the Sea" is a classic Black Mirror twist ending that builds up to a truly harrowing climax. However, what sets this episode apart is Crowley's attention to character development, which makes the audience care deeply about the characters and the shocking ending even more impactful. The use of replica technology in the twist reveal is executed brilliantly, with Cliff discovering blood on his hands and walls upon returning to his robotic body. Despite the obvious truth, Cliff desperately searches for his family, holding onto the hope that they are still alive, before ultimately breaking down in a pool of their blood. Although "Beyond the Sea" requires patience with its longer runtime and less twist-driven storytelling, it ultimately tells one of the most touching and humanistic stories that Black Mirror has ever tackled. The evolution of David and Cliff's relationship and the tragic, violent ending make this episode a deeply rewarding viewing experience.