The anthology series Black Mirror has explored dystopian universes and unspeakable plots for five seasons. Despite the uncertainty of the show’s future, there is a startling level of excitement and fear that is captured in each episode making the show an easy rewatch.
Over the last decade, the show has seamlessly had an ever-changing cast, including several high-profile celebrities. Singer Miley Cyrus played the role of bubblegum-pop icon Ashley O in the episode “Rachel, Jack, and Ashley Too” as she launched an original song by the fictional artist on multiple music streaming platforms. Another noteworthy performance was by Jon Hamm in the show’s Christmas special called “White Christmas” where he played one of the two protagonists, a suspicious ex-tech worker.
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With the combination of dazzling all-star casts and the confusing twists-and-turns of each Black Mirror episode, it is easy to forget who was in what episode, and which celebrities have been featured. Here are a few of the best celebrity performances.
Hayley Atwell, "Be Right Back"
In the first episode of the second season of Black Mirror, Hayley Atwell ditched Peggy Carter's military uniform and combat skills to play the character Martha, a quiet artist. The stakes are high in this episode as Martha is introduced to technological software that can mimic the deceased, one that she eventually uses to reconnect with her dead boyfriend.
Atwell delivered an incredible performance that allowed the audience to go through the grieving process along with her character before being lost in the weirdness of “Uhhhh, your boyfriend is now kind of a robot?”
Andrew Scott, "Smithereens"
“Smithereens” is the second episode of Black Mirror’s fifth season. Andrew Scott, most popular for his role as the flashy villain Moriarty in BBC's Sherlock and Hot Priest in Fleabag, tackled a contrasting character in this episode. He played Chris, a man who disguises himself as a ride-share driver to kidnap an employee of a popular social networking platform, one that is similar to Facebook or Twitter.
This episode is complex and well-paced as the hostage situation quickly turns into a complete train-wreck. However, what’s consistent in the episode is Scott’s unfettered performance as a man who has been driven mad by a world that’s so desperately reliant on technology.
Anthony Mackie, "Striking Vipers"
Continuing with the show’s latest season, “Striking Vipers” is the first episode of the fifth season. Marvel’s Anthony Mackie (best known for playing Sam Wilson/The Falcon) plays a seemingly ordinary character, Danny Parker. Things quickly dissolve into chaos as the storyline unfolds and reveals that Parker has been engaging in virtual sex with his friend through a combat virtual reality game.
This episode is all things weird and uncomfortable, but Mackie embraces the role as he plays into the mundane of real life: marriage, friendships, and aging. Guardians of the Galaxy’s Pom Klementieff also pops up in this episode as one of the video game characters.
Bryce Dallas Howard, "Nosedive"
“Nosedive” is the premiere episode of the third season and was well-received by critics. It features Bryce Dallas Howard as an insecure woman who slowly grows irritated by the world she lives in — one that allows people the ability to rank each other on a social app used to determine social standing.
The episode is fun and aesthetically pleasing, painting the fictional universe in pastel colors and Instagrammable backgrounds. All of which complemented Howard’s descent perfectly as her character encounters multiple mishaps in her daily life, but still manages to pull most of them off with practiced ease.
Letitia Wright, "Black Museum"
In the final episode of the fourth season, Black Panther’s Letitia Wright explores the horror genre, along with DC newcomer Aldis Hodge. “Black Museum” tells the story of museum owner Rolo Haynes and the artifacts he houses. Wright’s character Nish stumbles upon the museum and allows Haynes to tell a series of truly demented stories that surround his findings.
This episode is one of the series’ most grim and cynical stories, but Wright nailed her role and landed herself a Primetime Emmy and a Black Reel nomination.
Seasons 1-5 of Black Mirror are available for streaming on Netflix.