Season 6 of the popular Netflix series Black Mirror has a multitude of gripping episodes, but fans often find themselves revisiting the older ones, particularly "White Christmas." This special holiday episode originally aired in 2014, with Rafe Spall and Jon Hamm playing the roles of Joe Potter and Matt Trent. Within the narrative, these two characters spend Christmas day at a secluded cabin, exchanging chilling and unforgettable tales.
With the announcement of a Christmas-themed episode in the notoriously dark Black Mirror series, ardent fans were aware that it would deviate from the typical holiday TV episode or movie. In "White Christmas," technology's profound influence on individuals is exaggerated, as the characters delve into three interconnected stories that leave a lasting impact. What unfolds during this episode, and how does it ultimately conclude?
What Is Black Mirror's "White Christmas" Episode About?
"White Christmas" consists of three interconnected stories, each contributing to its chilling and unpredictable nature, making it an exceptional episode of Black Mirror. The first narrative revolves around a man seeking guidance from technology after developing an interest in a woman he meets during a holiday gathering. This storyline culminates in a bleak and unforeseen outcome, where Jennifer, plagued by terrifying visions, invites Harry to her home, resulting in their mutual demise due to poison.
The intensity of the episode amplifies with the second story, offering a glimpse of the plot twist that awaits. The climactic revelation at the conclusion of Black Mirror's "White Christmas" exemplifies why it is regarded as one of the finest TV shows on Netflix. The show's ability to constantly keep viewers on their toes, never knowing what to expect, contributes to its extraordinary and captivating nature.
The second tale reveals that Matt's profession revolves around working with digital clones called "cookies." He recounts how Greta (Oona Chaplin) was cloned, and her cookie refused to function as anyone's assistant. The narrative takes a grim turn as Matt shares that he manipulated the cookie to experience the loss of six months in mere seconds. At that moment, the cookie realized its inability to defy him.
While there are unconventional Christmas movies, "White Christmas" presents a chilling portrayal of certain individuals' experiences during the winter holiday. Joe proceeds to share the third story, recounting his toxic relationship with a woman he was once engaged to, Beth Grey (Janet Montgomery). He reveals that Beth blocked him after having an abortion, with their disagreement serving as the catalyst. Despite being blocked, Joe encountered Beth and her daughter every Christmas, visiting her father's home. The narrative escalates further into darkness when Joe discovers that Beth had been unfaithful, and the person she cheated with was the actual father of her child. An act of vengeful violence unfolds as Joe murders Beth's father, tragically resulting in her daughter's death by freezing in the woods.
How Does Black Mirror's "White Christmas" End?
Contrary to the optimistic and joyful narrative of the "San Junipero" episode, the remaining installments of the widely acclaimed Netflix series, Black Mirror, are unsettling, indelible, and serve as a cautionary reflection on the adverse consequences technology can inflict upon individuals. Notable for both Jon Hamm's captivating portrayal and its ability to subvert the festive cheer associated with the holiday season, "White Christmas" lingers in the memory.
The ending of The Black Mirror's "White Christmas" is more disturbing than the three previously shared stories. The cabin transforms into the house of Beth's late father. It is revealed that both Joe and Matt are digital copies of themselves, known as cookies. This revelation rivals any plot twist in a gripping movie. Sadly, both characters find themselves in precarious and distressing situations. Although Matt escapes murder charges by cooperating, he is shunned by everyone in his life and labeled a sex offender. Meanwhile, the clone of Joe, having divulged numerous gruesome details, may now face legal consequences.
Joe's cookie is depicted as living 1,000 years every minute in the unsettling conclusion of the "White Christmas" episode from Black Mirror. In this eerie scene, the song "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" by Wizzard serves as a haunting reminder of Joe's act of killing Beth's father.
This shocking ending is on par with the mind-bending sixth episode of Black Mirror's sixth season, titled "Demon 27." It exemplifies why the show continually impresses viewers with its ability to leave them stunned. The concept of being "blocked" and experiencing a life-altering downfall is truly disheartening. Black Mirror has always maintained a pessimistic perspective on technology, and "White Christmas" intensifies this scrutiny by exploring the themes of blocking, texting, social media, and overall online behavior. Through this exaggerated portrayal, it becomes evident how easily things can spiral out of control.