The latest season of the dystopian anthology series “Black Mirror” has arrived on Netflix, and one episode in particular, titled “Hotel Reverie,” is already generating buzz and drawing comparisons to the critically acclaimed and beloved “San Junipero” for its central queer love story.
“San Junipero,” which aired in the show’s third season, is widely regarded as one of the series’ most poignant and optimistic installments. Starring Mackenzie Davis and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, the episode followed two women who meet and fall in love within a virtual afterlife simulation called San Junipero. The episode resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Television Movie.
Now, “Black Mirror” may have delivered another compelling queer narrative with “Hotel Reverie,” which features nonbinary actor Emma Corrin and Issa Rae in leading roles. Rae portrays Brandy Friday, a high-profile Hollywood actor who becomes immersed in a technologically advanced remake of a classic romantic film. Within this immersive experience, Brandy finds herself falling in love with one of the characters, played by Corrin.
According to the official synopsis for “Hotel Reverie,” “Hollywood A-list actor Brandy Friday is thrown into an unusually immersive high-tech remake of a vintage romantic movie. She’s got to stick to the script if she ever wants to make it home.” This premise sets the stage for a potentially mind-bending exploration of identity, reality, and connection, themes often explored in “Black Mirror.”
Corrin spoke highly of their co-star Rae in an interview with Elle UK, praising her comedic talent. “She’s brilliant,” Corrin said. “Her comic timing is unreal. It’s a love story at the heart, which I think is going to be surprising for people. It’s not this big horror warning.” This suggests a departure from the often unsettling and cautionary tone that characterizes many “Black Mirror” episodes, hinting at a more emotionally driven narrative.
Elle UK further described the dynamic between Corrin and Rae, noting that “the scenes between [Corrin] and Rae are infinitely watchable” and that “their chemistry is so tender that it blunts the sense of dread that often accompanies a ‘Black Mirror’ episode.” This emphasis on the actors’ connection and the tenderness of the relationship echoes the central appeal of “San Junipero,” which captivated viewers with its heartfelt portrayal of queer love.
Rae herself has acknowledged the parallels between “Hotel Reverie” and past fan-favorite episodes with queer themes. In an interview with TV Insider, Rae stated that the episode reminded her of her “favorite episode, ‘San Junipero,’ and ‘Striking Vipers,’” another “Black Mirror” installment that explored complex relationships and virtual reality. However, she expressed hope that viewers “can look at them both separately but also appreciate them both as compliments to one another,” suggesting that while there are thematic similarities, “Hotel Reverie” offers its own unique perspective.
“Striking Vipers,” from the show’s fifth season, featured a reunion between two male friends that takes a complicated turn when they begin exploring their relationship within a virtual reality fighting game, raising questions about intimacy and identity. While not explicitly a lesbian romance like “San Junipero” or the apparent dynamic in “Hotel Reverie,” it also delved into unconventional forms of connection.
The comparisons to “San Junipero” are significant given that episode’s lasting impact on viewers and its recognition from the Television Academy. The fact that “Hotel Reverie” is already being discussed in the same breath suggests that it has struck a chord with audiences seeking nuanced and engaging LGBTQ+ representation within the science fiction genre.
As “Black Mirror” continues its exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity, “Hotel Reverie” appears poised to offer a compelling examination of love and identity in an increasingly digital world, potentially joining the ranks of the series’ most memorable and emotionally resonant episodes.
Season seven of “Black Mirror,” featuring “Hotel Reverie,” is now available for streaming on Netflix, allowing viewers to determine for themselves if this new queer-centered story can achieve the same lasting impact as the beloved “San Junipero.” The early reactions and comparisons indicate a strong possibility that “Hotel Reverie” will become a significant talking point among fans and critics alike, further solidifying “Black Mirror’s” reputation for thought-provoking and boundary-pushing storytelling.
