In my previous review of the episode ‘Beyond the Sea,‘ I mentioned that Black Mirror was back on track. After watching the fourth episode, I can only conclude that I spoke too soon. “Mazey Day” is nothing like what we’re accustomed to in the series. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it was a bad episode. Right?
This article is not only a review, but also a recap. Therefore, it contains big spoilers.
The Ethics and Accountability of Paparazzi
Mazey Day revolves around journalist Bo, portrayed by Zazie Beetz. After patiently waiting for two hours, Bo manages to capture some shots of celebrity Justin Camley, engaging in an affair with another man, despite having a long-term girlfriend. The actor pleads with Bo not to release the photos publicly, and even offers her $500 as compensation.
The journalist’s conscience will soon be tested as Justin commits suicide shortly after. Bo is visibly affected by the news, but colleague Whitty (Robbie Tann) lacks any form of empathy. “Did someone force him to be an actor?” This remark shouldn’t be seen as an attempt to alleviate Bo’s guilt. Whitty is introduced as a ruthless journalist who goes to any length necessary to capture the most sensational shots.
We all encounter them in our daily lives: rumors about celebrities. The photos, taken by journalists like Bo and undoubtedly many others like Whitty, bombard us to the point where we’ve become accustomed to them. The opening minutes of Mazey Day remind viewers of the terrible means by which these images are obtained. The scene in which we witness another celebrity, Sydney Alberti (dubbed “Slutty Alberti” by Whitty), being surrounded, harassed, and insulted by photographers, feels suffocating.
Mazey Day’s Personal Struggles Present an Opportunity for Bo
For those wondering by now, who or what is Mazey Day? The episode’s namesake is an actress who, under the influence of a combination of mushrooms and red wine, causes a fatal accident. We subsequently learn that Mazey (Clara Rugaard) has left the set of her shoot and hasn’t been seen for two weeks.
Bo’s roommate and landlord, Nathan, informs her that her rent payment is overdue. Bo has since withdrawn from the paparazzi world and now works at a coffee shop. She receives a visit from her former paparazzi friend, Hec (Danny Ramirez), who serves as the catalyst of the story by telling her about the peculiar events surrounding Mazey Day. When Hec mentions that $30,000 is being offered for the first photo of the actress, Bo steps back into the game—a classic “Just When I Thought I Was Out, They Pull Me Back In” moment.
After some investigation that would impress even the most skilled detective, Bo quickly discovers the hiding place of Mazey Day: the house of a producer. We see her there having a conversation with a “star doctor” named Dr. Babich. He tells Mazey that she needs to understand that she has no control over her situation and that it has taken her over. Mazey asks if he can make her better, to which Babich replies, “It’s about getting you through the night. And then the next night.”
Not inherently strange advice, except that in this context, I would opt for the word “day” instead of “night.” Initially, I didn’t pay much attention to these words, but by the end of the episode, Babich’s words shed a whole new (moon)light on them.
The Convenient Discovery of Mazey’s Hideout
Bo follows a car leaving the house but is skillfully shaken off when the driver gets out and punctures her tires. She then has to search for a motel and is directed by a local waiter to a retreat that primarily serves as a rehab facility. However, she shouldn’t count on getting a room there (then why suggest it, jerk?), as someone has rented out the entire retreat, and the employees have been sent home.
And just like that, Mazey Day’s location falls into Bo’s hands. It’s obtained very easily and conveniently, but at least it doesn’t unnecessarily slow down the pace of the episode. And that’s a good thing because personally, I didn’t need Mazey Day to have a longer duration.
Bo calls Hec, who arrives on his motorcycle to pick her up, and they drive to the retreat. There, Whitty and his equally annoying paparazzi buddy, Duke, join them. They have been following Hec using a tracker, so now there are four paparazzi ready to capture Mazey on camera.
That Special Moment That Turns Everything Upside Downn
The episode is almost over, with just over fifteen minutes remaining. So far, it’s the dullest episode of the series, in my opinion. I find myself uninterested in what’s happening and not truly invested in the fate of the main character, Bo. There are no lingering mysterious questions, and the plot meanders along. As always, the series can rely on strong acting, but I’m waiting for that special moment that turns everything upside down. And, dear reader, that moment is about to arrive any second now. However, instead of elevating the episode’s quality, it plunges even deeper into the abyss.
That evening, the group observes Dr. Babich leaving the retreat. Duke and Whitty speculate about the condition Mazey is struggling with. They consider crystal meth and cocaine, but they’re not even close.
Bo wonders if Babich is a real doctor and mentions that he’s apparently into some “holistic voodoo shit.” They manage to take a photo from outside and see that Mazey is chained to the bed. As Hec remarks, it appears that Babich has tied her up and is subjecting her to a gruesome cold turkey detoxification process.
The men seem to be fine with it all, pleased with their captured shots, but Bo is genuinely concerned about the actress’s state. She breaks open the door, revealing a suffering, sweating Mazey, with her neck chained. It’s a horrifying sight, and the constant flashes and clicks of the cameras are incredibly frustrating to witness and hear. Bo remains the only one trying to help Mazey, while the men frantically rush to press their shutter buttons as quickly as possible. Individuals sensitive to light flashes might want to steer clear of this episode. Although that advice might apply to everyone, regardless.
Mazey Warns the Photographers, but Should’ve Warned Us
Mazey warns the photographers to run away. “You don’t understand,” she screams. They pay no attention. Then, Mazey looks out the window, and we see a full moon peeking through the clouds. Smiling, I think to myself, “Imagine she turns into a werewolf,” fully aware of the bizarre thought. But lo and behold, that’s precisely what happens. In reviews of the previous episodes, I was searching for the Black Mirror factor, but in this episode, that factor seems further away than ever.
Writer Charlie Brooker previously stated that Black Mirror should not be confined to categories and must continue reinventing itself. However, this goes too far and betrays everything that made the series so popular.
During the transformation, we catch glimpses of Mazey’s condition being the result of her earlier hit-and-run. She was driving that night during a full moon, and when she got out of her car to check on the victim, it turns out she hit a werewolf, which then bit her.
I can say a lot about Mazey Day, but not that it had a predictable ending. Somewhere deep down, I almost respect this crazy decision. As I wonder what on earth I’m watching, Whitty gets his just desserts and gets torn apart by the werewolf. Like his buddy Whitty, Duke also kept taking photos for too long, and he also pays the price. As if introducing a werewolf wasn’t unrealistic enough, the choice to continue taking photos while witnessing a bloodthirsty creature emerge is almost even more unbelievable. They could have offered me a hundred million for those photos, but at the first sight of a fang, I would have packed my bags.
A Bloody Confrontation and the Perfect Shot
Meanwhile, Bo and Hec try to take shelter at the restaurant where Bo learned about Mazey’s retreat earlier on. They block the entrance and attempt to get the police officer, who was enjoying a meal there, to call for backup. Bo and Hec create a lot of commotion but don’t reveal what actually happened. But maybe that’s not so surprising, because who would believe it? I just witnessed it with my own eyes, and I still can’t believe it.
The werewolf (am I really writing this?) viciously attacks and kills a couple who are present, and Hec is the next unlucky one. Afterward, she proceeds to attack the police officer, causing him to fall and accidentally shoot the unfortunate waiter. Although he might actually be grateful to him, as it appears to be a preferable death compared to falling prey to the beast.
Just as I started to wonder if Mazey might spare Bo’s life since she was the only one who helped her, she lunges at her as well. Mazey reaches the officer’s gun just in time and shoots down the creature.
Surprisingly, Hec still has some life left in him. With his last strength, he hands Bo his camera. The werewolf transforms back into a dying Mazey, who pleads with Bo to end her life. It’s a heartbreaking sight, but I’m still processing the fact that I just witnessed a werewolf in Black Mirror, something that affects me more than seeing Mazey’s death.
Bo chooses to give Mazey the weapon, allowing her to pull the trigger herself. This gives Bo the opportunity to take the very last photo of Mazey, while she commits suicide. Despite the fact that this episode often appears to portray Bo as a sympathetic and compassionate person, it turns out she can’t resist a good payday either, regardless of the horrors and personal dramas that come with it.
Conclusion
Black Mirror’s Mazey Day takes the series into uncharted territory, and not in a good way. Setting aside the plot twist, this episode would likely have ranked near the bottom of my favorite Black Mirror episodes. However, it could have still managed to earn a passing grade thanks to strong acting, a solid production and some convincing scenes which capture the harrowing experiences celebrities often encounter.
Just when Mazey Day seemed to become intriguing, something happens that will forever taint the series. The bizarre plot twist cannot salvage the episode. On the contrary, the sputtering engine finally stalls. This episode will undoubtedly be remembered, but not for the right reasons.
Enjoyed this review? All Black Mirror Season 6 episode reviews can be found here.
