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Beyond the Sea (Black Mirror)

"Beyond the Sea" is the third episode of the sixth series of the anthology series ''Black Mirror''. It was written by the series creator Charlie Brooker and directed by John Crowley. Alongside the rest of the sixth series, it premiered on Netflix on 15 June 2023. Set in a retrofuturistic 1969, it follows two astronauts, Cliff (Aaron Paul) and David (Josh Hartnett), who inhabit replicas of their bodies on Earth. The astronauts grapple with an unfathomable tragedy that occurs on Earth.

Brooker conceived of the episode as a story about working from home. It was influenced by the Manson Family cult active in the 1960s. The title comes from an English version of "La Mer", a song prominent in the episode. Filming took place for three weeks in Whitstable, England, in summer 2022, as well as in London and Spain. Aaron Paul, a fan of ''Black Mirror'', plays both Cliff and David inhabiting Cliff's replica. He had agreed to a cameo in the previous episode "USS Callister" under the condition that he could appear in the series again.

Critics identified the episode as character-driven: Cliff is more strict and uptight than David. The masculinity of each character is explored, as is Lana's experience of isolation. The acting was widely praised by reviewers, as was the episode's emotional, contemplative tone, although the plot and pacing garnered a mixed reaction. Overall, many critics considered it the best episode of the sixth series. Provided by Wikipedia