As many of you know, each episode of Black Mirror features a fresh cast and, more importantly, entirely distinct stories, all connected by the common threads of science fiction and technology.
“Hotel Reverie” plunges us into the world of classic film, centering on a fictional movie and the production of its remake using an advanced Artificial Intelligence system that integrates real people into an AI-generated universe.
Are you familiar with the concept of AI “hallucinations”? Essentially, it’s when AI makes a flawed initial calculation, leading to increasingly absurd conclusions and ultimately catastrophic results – the AI “hallucinates.”
“Hotel Reverie” stands out as a highly original episode that takes risks and skillfully incorporates a retro vibe into its narrative.
It also offers a compelling double meaning, especially for film enthusiasts: aren’t we ruining classic movies with the endless stream of remakes?
The Plot
Producers decide to employ an innovative system to remake a classic film, but everything goes awry during production. The plot takes a sharp turn, with the real-life actress and the AI beginning to alter the fictional reality. The movie evolves to incorporate amusing, bizarre, and even romantic new storylines.
Reflections on “Hotel Reverie”
Yes, we’re all aware that original ideas seem to be in short supply lately. For instance, Disney’s recent version of Snow White bears little resemblance to the original, leading some to argue that it simply didn’t need to be made.
“Hotel Reverie” plays with this notion a bit, while also introducing the theme of AI hallucinations – when AI makes a mistake and continues to build upon that initial error, inevitably compounding its blunders because it lacks the ability to cross-reference its results with anything “real.”
Ultimately, “Hotel Reverie” serves as a metaphor for the isolated world inhabited by AI. Driven by data and its interrelations, AI fundamentally lacks the experience of reality, lost in a black hole of millions upon millions of data points swirling and connections forming at faster-than-light speeds.
“Hotel Reverie” is an enjoyable episode that doesn’t strive for much beyond being entertaining. It avoids “nightmare mode,” opting instead for fun, engaging, and lightheartedness.
It’s reminiscent of some earlier season episodes, but with a greater degree of originality. However, it doesn’t venture into that nightmare territory or delve into deeper philosophical questions about the nature of reality.
It could have pushed further, aiming for something less anecdotal. Yet, this episode possesses charm and freshness, acknowledging that not every installment in the series needs to be a relentless, horrific descent.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to lighten the mood, and “Hotel Reverie” does so effectively.
Enjoy!
Where to Watch “Hotel Reverie”
