Unraveling the Dark Secrets: 'Crocodile' Ending Decoded

Highlights

"Crocodile" is a dark and disturbing episode of Black Mirror that explores the consequences of past actions and the dark side of technology.

Mia, the main character of the episode, is a fierce and ruthless individual who is willing to go to any lengths to safeguard her autonomy and liberty.

The conclusion of "Crocodile" is both jolting and emotionally devastating, exposing the full scope of Mia's deeds and the insurmountable challenge of evading one's haunting history.

The fourth season episode of Black Mirror, "Crocodile," delves into darker territory while maintaining the show's trademark thought-provoking analysis of technology. Viewers tuning in to this series are aware of the expectations, yet each episode manages to surprise and captivate. This has been the secret to the show's enduring critical acclaim.

Among the notable episodes penned by Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker are "White Bear," "White Christmas," "Hang the DJ," and "Crocodile." In comparison to its counterparts, "Crocodile" leaves a lasting impact and can be particularly challenging to watch. It remains an unforgettable installment of Netflix's Black Mirror, boasting an ending that lingers in the minds of many long after the credits roll.

What Is Black Mirror's "Crocodile" About?

In the Black Mirror episode "Crocodile," Mia Nolan (played by Andrea Riseborough) grapples with a haunting past: her involvement in a heinous murder fifteen years prior. Alongside her friend Rob (played by Andrew Gower), they had concealed the victim's body. In the episode's opening, Mia and Rob confront the events that unfolded, but this time, the narrative takes a darker and more gruesome turn as Mia takes the life of Rob.

The tone of "Crocodile" resonates with the atmosphere of the Black Mirror episode "White Christmas." Both episodes delve into the lives of protagonists who carry the weight of past transgressions, yet actively avoid confronting them. "Crocodile" particularly explores the concept of a "Recaller," a device that projects memories onto a screen. Comparatively, this episode diverges from the realism of "Arkangel," another compelling Black Mirror storyline. Nevertheless, the unsettling prospect of such technology remains, rendering "Crocodile" yet another thought-provoking entry in the Black Mirror series.

Mia's characterization is responsible for the episode's dark and intense atmosphere. She relentlessly attempts to escape the consequences of her crimes by eliminating anyone who poses a threat to her. Her ruthless nature and perception of others as mere obstacles to her freedom make her an exceptionally memorable character in contrast to the less developed supporting cast. In her quest for control, she crosses paths with Shazia, an insurance company employee investigating Rob's death, and manipulates her own husband, Anan.

Unlike many other Black Mirror episodes featuring notable celebrities, "Crocodile" lacks star power, drawing viewer attention instead to its deeply disturbing and violent nature. Understandably, this has led to negative reviews, especially when compared to other episodes that evoke less distressing emotions.

How Does Black Mirror's "Crocodile" End?

The ending of "Crocodile" in Black Mirror is just as disturbing as the entire episode. Mia, who distrusts Shazia, resorts to using the Recaller to obtain the information she seeks: Shazia's disclosure of Mia's past to Anan. After killing Shazia, Mia goes on to murder her own husband and even takes the life of Shazia's baby boy, creating one of the darkest moments in Black Mirror. This scene is particularly heart-wrenching and surpasses the chilling endings of other episodes, such as the haunting conclusion of "USS Callister". Through this episode, a clear message emerges: Mia mercilessly harms innocent individuals, while being observed by others.

When the police arrive at Shazia's residence, they discover that Mia has committed the murders due to a pet guinea pig. The Recaller is utilized by the authorities, revealing the truth behind the crimes. This captivating scene exemplifies the eerie and somber nature of this particular world. Similar to the emphasis on digital technology in "Joan Is Awful", "Crocodile" showcases a society where no one can conceal their true selves.

In the final scene, Mia watches her son perform in his school play, which happens to be Bugsy Malone. It is evident that consequences await her for her actions, satisfying the viewers who want to see her confront her crimes. Black Mirror, known for its refusal to depict character redemption or transformation, could only conclude the episode in this manner. The last moments serve as a reminder that she remains unchanged and reflects her repulsive nature.

Much like the most haunting episodes of Black Mirror, "Crocodile" delivers an unexpected twist that leaves a severe impact. In this case, the baby is blind, thus unaware of Mia's deeds. Unquestionably, this episode has sparked significant discussion and left viewers disturbed. The conclusion fearlessly tackles profound themes of morality, memory, and the possibility of escaping one's past and the atrocious actions committed.