“Beyond the Sea” is the third episode of the sixth season of Netflix’s highly acclaimed sci-fi anthology series, Black Mirror. Set in an alternate version of 1969, the episode follows two astronauts, Cliff (Aaron Paul) and David (Josh Hartnett), who are on a space mission.
The episode explores themes of isolation, identity, and the consequences of advanced technology. As Cliff and David carry out their mission, they also have the ability to interact with virtual replicas of themselves called “Reps,” or replicas, which are active while the real astronauts are in a comatose state on the spacecraft. The replicas allow their consciousness’ to visit their families on Earth.
David’s wife and children are taken hostage and killed for their public support of the “unnaturalness” of what David is doing to his body. The killers (including Rory Culkin) also destroy David’s “Rep,” leaving him trapped in space, alone whenever Cliff visits home.
Cliff’s wife Lana (Kate Mara) suggests that they allow David to use Cliff’s replica so that he can get out of isolation for a while. This setup also allows for David’s drawings to flourish with new settings and subjects.
As the story progresses, tensions arise between Cliff and David, and their isolation in space begins to affect their mental well-being.
The psychological toll of their situation becomes evident as the characters struggle with loneliness and confinement. The episode raises important questions about the nature of identity and the impact of technology on human connections. It reflects the anxieties and challenges of our modern society, where the reliance on virtual interactions and the potential loss of genuine human connections are prevalent concerns.
David falls in love with Cliff’s wife, which causes the two astronauts to fight. Cliff finds drawings David has done of Lana, some in the nude, which infuriates him as David has claimed he can only draw from memory.
As the episode unfolds, we learn that the Reps were not perfect replicas of the astronauts but rather filtered versions of themselves. David’s Rep was designed to suppress his guilt and grief, creating a distorted sense of reality. The ending suggests that David’s actions were driven by these internal struggles and a misguided attempt to find solace.
After the drama surrounding Lana, Cliff bans David from using his “Rep” again. David apologizes for over-stepping but Cliff can’t forgive him. Eventually, while Cliff is at home with Lana, David sends an emergency signal that forces Cliff to come up and check the spaceship. While he’s checking everything, David disappears. Cliff is locked out of the ship until David returns, claiming he was in the bathroom, but Cliff’s link is in his pocket. Horrified, Cliff rushes back home but wakes to find blood on his hands.
The violence is left off-screen, but we’re told by Cliff’s reactions that David has likely murdered his son and wife.
The episode’s message centers around the dark depths of human nature and the distorted sense of justice that can emerge when faced with isolation and despair. It highlights how technology, in this case, the Reps, can be used as a coping mechanism and a means to escape from personal demons. The ending serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the consequences that can arise when we try to hide from our past (as David tried to by pretending he was Cliff/had Cliff’s family) and avoid facing our emotions.
“Beyond the Sea” is a gripping episode that showcases Black Mirror’s ability to explore complex characters and the psychological impact of advanced technology. With its ethical dilemmas, thought-provoking themes, and a twist-filled ending, it is a standout installment in the series that leaves viewers contemplating the potential implications of our reliance on virtual experiences and the importance of confronting our own inner struggles.