Black Mirror Season 4 Episode 4: Hang the DJ Review

If you would like to read my review of the last episode, click here.

Synopsis: Paired up by a dating program that puts an expiration date on all relationships, Frank and Amy soon begin to question the system’s logic.  (IMDB)

Writer: Charlie Brooker

Director: Timothy Van Patten

Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 51mins

After a dip during the last episode, we’ve returned to how the season started with the incredible U.S.S. Callister.

This episode was about a man and a woman named Frank (Joe Cole) and Amy (Georgina Campbell) who lived in what appeared to be some sort of dystopian city. They were both part of a system where an artificial intelligence found on each of their personal tablets decided who they can enter into relationships with and how long they could last. The system entered users into multiple relationships while collecting data to ensure that they are matched with their most compatible partner.

When Frank and Amy were paired initially, they seemed to hit it off, both being first time users of the system. Unfortunately for them, the system paired them for a short relationship. They did the most with what short time they had before going their separate ways but we know that they won’t be apart for too long as they were meant to be with one another even if they didn’t realize it at the time.

It wasn’t until they were paired with others that they began to long for one another. Their problem was that they could not leave their current relationships or face banishment. Over time, they became distant from their new partners but when these relationships ended, they were reunited. Despite them being together again, the fact that their relationship was set to end became a distraction leading to another breakup. It was this final breakup that confirmed to each of them that they were meant to be together.

Without giving too much away, what happened after that was a surprise but all the signs were there. The episode subtly hinted that there may have been more going on, however, it focused more on the story. The cinematography and set design was also worth commending in creating a visually stunning futuristic dystopian city. The episode would not have worked if not for the excellent performances from Cole and Campbell and their great chemistry. The progression of their relationship was fun and gripping to watch. There were plenty of comedic, dramatic, and emotional moments throughout as they went from awkward to a real couple. They were great apart, however, they were even better once they were together.

Overall, this was an amazing episode, full of twists and turns during a compelling, emotional, and well-acted dystopian love story.

Score: 10/10

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.