Black Mirror’s “15 Million Merits” is a unique experience for the modern day sci-fi loving TV viewer. Not only does the hour long episode pack quite the punch when it comes to cinematography, but it’s imperative to comment on the episode’s satirical plot line.
The scene begins with an overhead shot of Bing, whom we follow throughout the episode. We are prevented from finding out his name until 20 or so minutes in. It’s an interesting take, because as viewers, we spend the first 14 minutes absorbing the background information such as the setting and the rising action rather than being thrown into the plot line, and we don’t even get to hear Bing’s voice until then.
We come to find that “15 Million Merits” takes place in a dystopian world where their reality is confined to repetition, where the only way out (that we know of) is being chosen by one of the judges from Hot Shots, a show in their reality that parallels what we know as X-Factor and American Idol. Everything from skipping annoying ads that pop up in their futuristic bedrooms to the toothpaste used in the morning is paid in ‘merits’, which are earned by a Mii-like avatar. Bing spends his days riding a stationary bike in a windowless and enigmatic dwelling that they all reside in. We never do, as an audience, come to find out what the outside world looks like. For all we know this place could be set in space and the world could have gone into an apocalyptic turmoil
We begin to take notice that Bing seems to differ in some way from the crowd; he isn’t coasting along like the others. He does something ballsy, and gives up 15,000,000 merits for a girl who he believes has what it takes to win the attention of the judges. She’s hesitant but accepts. This catches us off-guard and shifts the plot-line away from the constant repetition that has become expected from watching Bing go about his day over and over, avoiding pop-up porn ads and other media distractions that seem to captivate the grey, lounge wearing population.
As expected, Abi, the girl Bing has gifted the golden ticket to, impresses the judges. In a shocking twist, the judges decide that she is perfect for the headlining role as a porn star. Yes, I just said porn star, and, yes, it came as a shock to us all. We didn’t even know that was an option up until Abi was “rewarded” with it. She accepts, but we believe it’s due to the compliance drink she was forced to drink backstage. This infuriates Bing, and he is taken by force back to his quarters.
Now I’m sure you can guess what happens. Pop-up ads appear in Bing’s room and what do ya know, Abi is up-front and center as the starring role in the porn ad. Bing’s out of merits, can’t skip the ad and is tortured into watching the obscenity. It seems to spark a flame inside him as he gains the courage to save up all his merits back to 15,000,000 in order to buy another entry ticket into Hot Shots. It’s a painful thought to think of the hard work Bing endures to regain his losses, but it’s rewarding to see him achieve his goal in a matter of a couple months. He purchases his ticket, hides a shard of glass in his waistband, and is ready for revenge.
Upon stepping onto the stage, Bing loses it. He lets out everything that has been confined inside his brain and reveals his thoughts in an impressive stream-of-consciousness which leaves him shaking and dripping in sweat. If that doesn’t define ‘being heated’, I’m not sure what does.
But to our shock, they LOVE it and propose the idea of Bing uploading his rants twice a week for the public. What is even more sickening than the judges completely missing the message is that Bing follows through with it and accepts the gig. He gives in, and that is why Black Mirror captivates us as an audience.
The plot line toys with our emotions but most importantly serves as a commentary on the modern views of our society. It’s satirical in its representation of the modern world, emphasizing sex, distraction, and materialism. It emphasizes society’s insatiable desire for intimacy whether that revolves around sex or that of distractions, materialistic things that consume us every day. In a way it’s depicting what our future could look like if we were to completely lose sense of reality. And that’s a frightening thought. Imagine living in a world where nothing is “real”– no windows, the absence of fresh air, and being surrounded by pixels 24/7. As a matter of fact, Black Mirror does a fabulous job depicting a futuristic setting by employing contrast. The lack of pigment in the use of gray alongside a palette full of neon, “Tron”-like colors of the screens surrounding the characters creates precise and obnoxious contrast. It serves as an extra element to the show — presenting an audience with a futuristic and unrealistic world that lacks in natural color. It creates a cold and artificial environment not only supporting the idea of a dystopian reality, but a world lacking in truth. A world in which conformity suffices.
Rating of “15 Million Merits”: ✮✮✮✮
Black Mirror 