This story discusses major plot developments in the “Black Mirror” episode “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” currently streaming on Netflix.
Ever since the 2017 streaming of “USS Callister,” an episode of “Black Mirror,” Cristin Milioti has faced a barrage of questions regarding a potential sequel. Set within a digital and real-world matrix, the original episode followed Milioti as Nanette Cole, a programmer involved in the creation of the online game “Infinity.” She discovers a disturbing reality when her boss, Robert Daly, uses DNA to generate virtual clones of his colleagues for his own space fantasy starship.
The original episode left audiences eager for more, sparking fan theories that creator Charlie Brooker would produce a sequel, which indeed materialized as “USS Callister: Into Infinity.” Released more than seven years later as part of “Black Mirror’s” seventh season, the episode expands upon the universe created by Brooker and co-writers William Bridges, Bisha K. Ali, and Bekka Bowling, with direction by Toby Haynes.
The sequel dives into the grim lives of digital versions of Nanette and her crew on the USS Callister, exploring how they survive by extracting “Infinity” credits from other players. Their actions set off a series of events leading to the real-world Nanette discovering her digital counterpart, a revelation that unfolds during a dramatic in-game encounter. However, just as Nanette and her digital doppelgänger meet, catastrophe strikes, and the situation escalates as her digital consciousness intertwines with her real-world body.
This unexpected narrative twist reveals that the Callister crew becomes a part of Nanette’s consciousness, experiencing her life alongside her. Milioti, reflecting on the nuanced dynamics between her characters, spoke of the complexities with Variety, noting how both Nanettes are similar yet distinct due to their environment and circumstances.
Imagining this storyline was both a creative and technical endeavor. Milioti recounted how the development process was a journey of evolving ideas and concepts, with multiple drafts shaping the final narrative. She was actively involved in the project from the early stages and found the exploration of dual identities particularly intriguing. The narrative touched on thematic elements of self-perception and introspection, resonating with audiences by highlighting parallels between the on-screen and real-world challenges faced by the protagonist.
Beyond the intricate storytelling, the production itself was notably complex, especially scenes requiring Milioti to act alongside herself. Having had previous experience with similar scenarios, she expressed the challenging nature of maintaining consistency between takes, likening the process to performing opposite a memory.
“I loved shooting that so much,” she said, describing the thematic depth of the series and the empathy she feels for her characters, despite the ethically fraught narrative. This alignment of personal perspective and professional execution brought a rich layer of authenticity to her portrayal, reinforcing the integrity of the show’s exploration of futuristic morality intertwined with present-day dilemmas.
The intricate web woven within “USS Callister: Into Infinity” opens possibilities for further developments, prompting questions about a potential third installment. Milioti opined on the unpredictable nature of Nanette’s future, especially given her newfound shared consciousness with her crew. While there are no immediate plans for continuation, Milioti expressed her interest in exploring the character further, citing trust in Charlie Brooker’s ability to expand the narrative realm of “Black Mirror.”
In conclusion, “USS Callister: Into Infinity” solidifies Cristin Milioti’s role within the “Black Mirror” universe, providing fans with a compelling story while raising intriguing questions about human consciousness and digital identity. Whether the saga continues remains a tantalizing possibility, one that keeps audiences eagerly speculating about the next chapter in this groundbreaking series.
