The Entire History of You

Some people say that "we are defined by our memories" and that "without memory we would lack any perspective" with which to assess the world. Others say that "memories are meant to fade." and that "time heals all wounds."

What if we lived in a world where memories literally own us and where they never, ever fade and are accessible in high definition and slow motion replay... Forever to anyone? What if they could be stored and digitised... or even traded as a commodity? What would memories become then?

They would become our most prized possessions: More irreplaceable than hand-crafted treasures, more valuable than any diamond or gold. Imagine, our very essence and experiences captured (and with liberal editing) all the best parts distilled into a narcotic, addictive stream of consciousness, on tap wherever and whenever we desire.

We could go back, time and time again to revisit out best experiences. We could show these details at will to others on any available screen. Alternatively, we could expunge forever that which we never wish to see again, and be forever distrusted as someone with no proof of what they've done or where they've been...

Or, we could even keep those most painful moments it as a lash with which to whip ourselves while saying a dozen Hail Marys.

This is the story of a family that live in such a world, where things once experienced can be recorded forever and used to wager a strategic, rightful war on those around us. But at what cost to ourselves and our relationships?

This Black Mirror episode was released in 2011, at the cusp of Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc. mania, so at the time, the technology depicted in this episode did still feel a bit distant and futuristic. Five years later in 2016 was when I actually stumbled upon this series. Watching "The Entire History of You" for the first time, I was very impressed yet still somewhat shrugged it off as another sci-fi fear mongering. Well now, another five years later, in 2021, I watched the episode again and was blown away by this masterpiece. The future depicted ten years ago is fast approaching now. Given the choice, the average person now is likely to sign up to have that "grain" installed in a heartbeat. It's a much more convenient way of capturing their lives the way they obsessively record everything now on all social media platforms. Privacy is out the window. This accelerated embrace of technology neglects the spontaneity of life and the natural human limitations designed keep our brains sane and functional. Some memories are meant to fade, and life's mundane events are not meant to be recalled play-by-play. Most of all, cherish the idea that today, the thoughts in your mind are still 100% yours. You think what you think, and nobody can force you to play a re-do of it. The way things are going though, it's probably only a matter of time when your thoughts can be put on a show for everyone to watch. And therein lies the true horror.

This for me was the best episode of the two series of Black Mirror, and also the best piece of Television drama over the past 5-8 years.

As a television production student I am critical of drama pieces, but this episode completely blew me away and gripped me from start to end. If anyone asks can television drama be effective over 45-60 minutes , I will always tell them to watch this episode.

This is a masterclass in directing by Ben Welsh. The direction of the cast was perfect, the camera-work suited the feel of the piece , and choice of locations and props for me really added to this film. How they were able to add this futuristic technology to the characters felt 'scarily' believable (especially these days with the development of Google Glasses)

For me this films shows thats you can make an effective drama without making over dramatic and unbelievable plots. As this films grabs its audience, and using its 'gritty' and 'subtle' style makes it for me as one of my favourite dramas ever broadcasted on TV

For whatever reason, this episode is the most memorable to me of the Black Mirror series. I am not saying it's the best written or acted, but it epitomizes Black Mirror and the dark side of technology. Great pace and tone setter for the series.

I always wondered what if our memories are saved or viewed? Finally, an episode about this.

In the future, forgetting is not on the dictionary. They're recorded somehow and you can view it anytime, anywhere. Fantastic as it may seem, it has consequences.

Really great episode and love the drama and all.