Unveiling the Mind-Blowing Twist in Black Mirror's 'Men Against Fire'

Similar to other episodes of Black Mirror, "Men Against Fire" delves into the challenges of maintaining empathy in a world dominated by invasive technology. Directed by Jakob Verbruggen, this episode is often compared to the renowned anthology series, The Twilight Zone. It delves into the fears of technology, showcasing how society's worst tendencies can be amplified in certain circumstances.

Unlike earlier episodes of the Netflix series, such as "White Bear," where offenders receive some form of twisted justice, "Men Against Fire" does not place blame on wrongdoers. While it heavily incorporates science fiction elements, it effectively portrays how individuals are reduced to mere components in a high-tech war machine. True to the Black Mirror style, the conclusion is unsettling and not entirely far-fetched.

What Is Black Mirror’s ‘Men Against Fire’ About?

In an undetermined future, "Men Against Fire" begins with Stripe Koinange (Malachi Kirby) daydreaming about an enchanting woman. He is a fresh recruit in the military, tasked with his first mission to investigate a nearby village where the food supply has been raided and tainted by "roaches" (apparently some kind of infected vermin). Accompanied by squad leader Medina (Sarah Snook), Stripe and his fellow soldiers set off to pursue a lead: a religious man named Parn Heidekker (Francis Magee), who has previously shown sympathy towards the roaches. It is revealed that each soldier possesses a neural implant called Mass, which provides augmented reality information, grants them a tactical advantage, and even reinforces 'good' behavior.

Upon reaching Heidekker's dilapidated property, Medina interrogates him while the rest of the soldiers conduct a search. Stripe eventually stumbles upon a nest of roaches, who manifest as pale and aggressive human-like creatures. He successfully eliminates two of them and discovers a peculiar device in the process. Accidentally directing its vibrant green light into his eye, he experiences a piercing high-pitched whistle. After the other roaches are eliminated, Heidekker is apprehended and the house is set ablaze.

Stripe begins to suspect that his Mass system is malfunctioning as a result of a series of unusual events. Even his recurring dreams, which usually serve as a reward for his kills, are glitching. Despite passing all diagnostic tests for his implant, Stripe seeks help from military psychiatrist Arquette. However, even after the session, his dream continues to malfunction and becomes even more intense.

The following day, Stripe, along with Medina and comrade Raiman, visit a compound where they suspect there are more enemies hiding. Stripe discovers that his sense of smell has returned, but his other abilities, such as reading holograms, are affected. During their mission, Medina is killed by a roach sniper. Stripe and Raiman continue into the building and engage in a fight that reveals the disturbing truth - the 'human' individuals Stripe sees actually resemble roaches to Raiman. Acting quickly, Stripe knocks Raiman unconscious and finds himself in an underground lair with the mother and her son.

At that moment, Raiman, who has located them, bursts in to eliminate Katarina and her son while incapacitating Stripe.

How Does ‘Men Against Fire’ End?

Stripe is depicted in a cell, visited by Arquette who discloses that the Mass system was created to dehumanize the enemy, facilitating the soldiers' ability to harm them. This measure was justified by the need to protect the bloodline, as the roaches possess genetic predispositions to illnesses. Furthermore, Arquette presents video footage revealing a naive Stripe consenting to receive the implant, fully aware that his agreement would ultimately be erased from his memory. This serves as a representation of young and compliant soldiers who unknowingly subject themselves to government manipulation.

Arquette presents Stripe with two options. Firstly, he can choose to have his memory of the recent events wiped clean through a complete Mass reset. Alternatively, he can endure the relentless repetition of the horrid act of mercilessly killing roaches, without any augmented reality enhancements, resembling the concept depicted in the "White Christmas" episode of Black Mirror. The scene transitions to Stripe, dressed in his military uniform, standing outside an idyllic house, embraced by the woman of his dreams – an idealized version of a military homecoming. However, the reality reveals that the house lies in ruins and there is no one awaiting his arrival. A solitary tear trickles down Stripe's cheek, implying that he is not completely oblivious to the fact that this is merely an illusion.

In the book Inside Black Mirror, series creator Charlie Broker explains that the title of the episode drew inspiration from S.L.A. Marshall's book Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command. Marshall claims that during World War II, over 70% of soldiers were unable to shoot their rifles. This fact is also mentioned by Arquette to Stripe. "Men Against Fire" explores how authority perpetuates false information to justify the extermination of those deemed 'sub-human'. The episode's dream sequences offer a glimpse into the promised life for military personnel in exchange for their service. Raiman is so devoted to the cause that she believes killing Heidekker is her duty. She even suggests burning down the entire forest to eliminate any hiding places for the 'roaches', forgetting that she is also putting the safety of those she is supposed to protect at risk.

The Mass itself serves as a symbol for the excessive consumption of media by the general population. The continuous stream of misinformation divides people, fuels hysteria, and diminishes empathy. However, as Black Mirror producer Annabel Jones summarizes the ending, "the propaganda, both military and personal, persists."