Black Mirror, the anthology series renowned for its dark and often dystopian explorations of technology, took a surprisingly poignant turn in its seventh season with the episode “Eulogy.” Departing from the show’s usual themes of horror and shock, this installment delivers a deeply human story about love, regret, and the way we rewrite our own memories.
At the heart of the episode is Phillip (Paul Giamatti), a reclusive and emotionally guarded man who receives an unexpected call from a representative of Kelly Royce (Patsy Ferran). He learns that his ex-girlfriend, Carol, has passed away, and her family requests his help in preparing a eulogy. Reluctantly, Phillip agrees and is sent a cutting-edge piece of technology called Eulogy, a program that allows users to step into old photographs to reconstruct memories of the deceased.
A Journey Through Fractured Memories
Phillip, who has spent years burying his past, retrieves only three Polaroids from a dusty shoebox in his attic—far fewer than the recommended six images the program suggests for an accurate reconstruction. As he enters these photographs, he is guided by an AI assistant (also voiced by Patsy Ferran), designed to help him navigate his memories. However, a major problem arises: Phillip has defaced every photo of Carol, scratching out her face in a fit of bitterness after their breakup.
As Phillip relives key moments from their relationship, the AI challenges his one-sided narrative. He recalls Carol as cold, distant, and cruel—a version of events the Guide repeatedly questions. In one memory, from a 1991 Halloween party, Phillip insists Carol spent the entire evening flirting with a man dressed as the Devil. The Guide, however, points out that Carol appears visibly uncomfortable, trying to escape the man’s attention. Reluctantly, Phillip admits he may have exaggerated his recollection.
Further revelations emerge:
- Carol took a job in London’s West End after a heated argument, leading to a long-distance rift.
- Phillip cheated with a co-worker, Emma, and Carol confronted him in a devastating phone call.
- Their final breakup was so painful that Phillip locked away all traces of her, refusing to revisit their past—until now.
The Heartbreaking Truth Behind Their Final Night
The most crushing revelation comes when Phillip relives the night he flew to London to propose. He remembers Carol as distant, refusing champagne, and ultimately walking out when he drunkenly demanded an answer. But the Guide—who is partially modeled after Kelly’s memories—offers a different perspective:
Carol was pregnant.
She had written Phillip a letter explaining that she’d had a one-night stand with a colleague out of anger over his infidelity with Emma. The letter, left in his hotel room, went unseen in his drunken rage. By the time he sobered up, it had been packed away by a maid—lost for decades.
In the present, Phillip finds the letter among his old belongings. As he reads Carol’s words, he is overwhelmed with grief and regret. She had wanted him to meet her after her performance the next day, leaving the choice in his hands. He never went.
A Bittersweet Resolution
With the full truth uncovered, Phillip finally listens to an old cassette recording of Carol playing the cello. As the music fills the room, a previously obscured photograph—one where he had scratched out Carol’s face—slowly comes into focus. For the first time in years, he sees her clearly.
The episode ends with Phillip attending Carol’s funeral, where he shares a silent, knowing glance with Kelly. The moment is loaded with unspoken understanding—two people connected by a love that was lost to miscommunication and pride.
What Does the Ending Mean?
Series creator Charlie Brooker described the conclusion as a moment of painful clarity for Phillip:
“He had turned Carol into a villain in his mind, painting her as the one who wronged him. But now, he sees her as she truly was—flawed, human, and still loving him despite everything. The tragedy is that he only realizes this after she’s gone.”
Paul Giamatti, reflecting on the final scene, found ambiguity in Kelly’s nod:
“Is she acknowledging him as a stranger, or is there something deeper—some lingering presence of Carol in the AI? There’s a haunting beauty in that moment, like two people recognizing each other across time.”
The Real-World Inspirations Behind “Eulogy”
Brooker and co-writer Ella Road (Doctor Who, Ten Percent) drew inspiration from Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back, which used modern technology to restore and enhance archival footage. The idea of reconstructing the past—especially when memories are fragmented—resonated deeply.
Brooker also revealed a personal connection:
“I had to give a eulogy for my father recently, and we struggled to find enough photos of him. In the pre-smartphone era, pictures were rare, imperfect, and precious. If you destroyed one in anger, you couldn’t get it back. That’s what makes Phillip’s act of defacing Carol’s photos so tragic—he erased her before he understood what he’d lost.”
A Reflection on AI, Grief, and Humanity
Unlike most Black Mirror episodes, “Eulogy” presents AI in a surprisingly compassionate light. Rather than a malevolent force, the technology serves as a bridge between past and present, helping Phillip confront his own biases and regrets.
Patsy Ferran, who played both Kelly and the AI Guide, saw the story as a meditation on forgiveness:
“We all rewrite our own histories to protect ourselves. But growth comes when we face the truth—not just about others, but about ourselves.”
Giamatti added:
“There’s something hopeful here. AI isn’t just a cold tool; in this case, it helps a man heal. Maybe that’s the future we should strive for—technology that helps us be more human, not less.”
Final Thoughts: A Black Mirror Episode Unlike Any Other
“Eulogy” stands out in Black Mirror’s catalog as a rare emotionally uplifting story, despite its inherent sadness. It’s a reminder that grief isn’t just about loss—it’s about the stories we tell ourselves, the truths we avoid, and the love we only appreciate in hindsight.
With its stellar performances, haunting score, and deeply personal storytelling, this episode may well be remembered as one of the series’ most moving installments.
Black Mirror Season 7, including “Eulogy,” is now available to stream.