Franklin Dean
In the Black Mirror episode San Junipero, Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) and Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) meet in a simulated reality where the deceased can live and the elderly can visit. The two women fall in love and get married, with Kelly authorising Yorkie's euthanasia so that she can join her in San Junipero forever. The episode begins and ends with the song Heaven is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle, which fits the episode's uplifting tone and ending.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Setting | Beach resort town in California, USA |
| Time Period | 1987, 2002, and the future |
| Genre | Science fiction, romance |
| Plot | Two women, Yorkie and Kelly, fall in love and marry in San Junipero, a simulated reality where the deceased can live and the elderly can visit |
| Song | "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle |
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What You'll Learn
- The song 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' by Belinda Carlisle is played at the start and end of the episode
- Kelly and Yorkie's first kiss is accompanied by a song that sounds like it's by M83
- 'Girlfriend in a Coma' by The Smiths plays when Yorkie tries on dresses
- The episode's composer, Clint Mansell, created an original score for the episode
- The episode's ending was inspired by the song 'Heaven is a Place on Earth'
The song 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' by Belinda Carlisle is played at the start and end of the episode
The song "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle is played at the start and end of the "San Junipero" episode of Black Mirror. The episode centres on the relationship between Yorkie, a shy young woman, and Kelly, a vivacious party girl, and their connection in a simulated reality where the deceased can live, and the elderly can visit, inhabiting their younger selves' bodies.
The song's title and lyrics reflect the episode's themes of love, new beginnings, and the exploration of the afterlife. The upbeat and hopeful nature of the song contrasts with the complex and emotional narrative of the episode, creating a thought-provoking and refreshing viewing experience.
The choice of this song is particularly significant as it was the inspiration for the episode's final shot. Creator Charlie Brooker heard the song while writing the script and wanted to license it for the episode. The song's lyrics and melody added depth to the episode's conclusion, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
The episode "San Junipero" stands out in the Black Mirror series for its uplifting tone and atypical happy ending. The inclusion of "Heaven is a Place on Earth" at pivotal moments in the episode underscores the themes of love and new beginnings, providing a memorable and impactful viewing experience for audiences.
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Kelly and Yorkie's first kiss is accompanied by a song that sounds like it's by M83
In the episode "San Junipero" of the series *Black Mirror*, Yorkie, a shy young woman, meets Kelly, a vivacious party girl, at Tucker's, an '80s nightclub. Kelly and Yorkie dance, but Yorkie becomes uncomfortable and leaves the club. Kelly follows her and sexually propositions her. The following week, the two reunite in the bathroom, kiss, and later have sex at Kelly's beach house. Yorkie confesses that it was her first time having sex, and Kelly reveals that she was once married.
During Kelly and Yorkie's first kiss, a song that sounds similar to one by the band M83 plays in the background. However, it is not an M83 song but an original composition by the episode's composer, Clint Mansell. M83 is a French electronic music group formed in Antibes in 1999 and currently based in Los Angeles. The group initially consisted of multi-instrumentalists Anthony Gonzalez and Nicolas Fromageau.
"San Junipero" begins and ends with Belinda Carlisle's hopeful and lighthearted hit, "Heaven is a Place on Earth." The episode's creator, Charlie Brooker, chose this song because he wanted to license it for the episode after hearing it on a streaming playlist while writing the script.
In the episode, Kelly and Yorkie eventually marry, and Kelly authorizes Yorkie's euthanasia, allowing her consciousness to pass over to "San Junipero" forever. Kelly, who is only able to join Yorkie for five hours a week, is torn between staying in the real world and being with her late husband and daughter or joining Yorkie in the afterlife. Ultimately, she decides to be euthanized and happily reunites with Yorkie in "San Junipero."
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'Girlfriend in a Coma' by The Smiths plays when Yorkie tries on dresses
In the Black Mirror episode "San Junipero", Yorkie tries on different dresses while listening to "Girlfriend in a Coma" by The Smiths. This song choice is significant as it foreshadows Yorkie and Kelly's relationship. Yorkie, who is shy and timid, is the "'girlfriend in a coma', while Kelly is a vivacious party girl.
Yorkie's character is initially presented as an introverted and shy young woman who visits the nightclub Tucker's in San Junipero in 1987. She wears glasses and dresses modestly, standing in contrast to Kelly's bold and outgoing personality. Yorkie tries to find clothes that will help her fit in with the other residents of San Junipero, but ultimately decides to wear her typical outfit, including her glasses. This decision reflects her desire to be her true self, which Kelly finds refreshing.
The song "Girlfriend in a Coma" plays as Yorkie gets dressed to go to Tucker's, hinting at her desire to transform and become someone else in San Junipero. Yorkie takes off her glasses and changes the song, symbolising her willingness to try new things and step out of her comfort zone.
The episode explores the theme of longing to find love and the need for connection. Yorkie and Kelly's relationship develops throughout the episode, despite the challenges of their simulated reality. The song "Girlfriend in a Coma" reflects the penetrating theme of the episode, as it quite literally foreshadows their relationship and the unique circumstances they find themselves in.
The episode "San Junipero" stands out from other Black Mirror episodes due to its hopeful and upbeat tone, and the happy ending for the lesbian couple is atypical of the show. The music, including "Girlfriend in a Coma" by The Smiths, plays a crucial role in telling the story and enhancing the emotional impact of the episode.
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The episode's composer, Clint Mansell, created an original score for the episode
The fourth episode of the third season of "Black Mirror", "San Junipero", features an original score by the composer Clint Mansell. Mansell's unique approach to composing and the acclaim for his scores have made him an in-demand composer. Mansell's work on "San Junipero" interweaves 1980s songs with an original score. Mansell's score for the episode was described as \"wonderfully tender\" by Alex Mullane of Digital Spy. Mansell's creation of the soundtrack for "San Junipero" earned him his fourth nomination for Best Original Score.
The episode's plot revolves around the characters Yorkie and Kelly, who meet in a nightclub in the simulated reality of San Junipero. Mansell's score enhances the episode's exploration of the relationship between the two women, which defies the laws of space and time. The music evokes the 1980s and was well-received by critics, with IndieWire praising both the production design and the soundtrack. Mansell's score adds to the episode's uplifting tone and visual style, creating an unforgettable listening experience.
The episode "San Junipero" stands out for its hopeful and sad but existentially refreshing narrative, deviating from the typical turmoil-inducing episodes of "Black Mirror". Mansell's score complements the episode's themes and adds to its emotional impact. The music enhances the viewers' experience and immersion in the story, making it a memorable contribution to the series.
Clint Mansell's original score for "San Junipero" showcases his talent and reinforces the episode's impact. The music complements the narrative and visual elements, contributing to the episode's critical acclaim and enduring appeal. Mansell's composition for "San Junipero" is a testament to his skill and creativity as a composer.
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The episode's ending was inspired by the song 'Heaven is a Place on Earth'
The ending of the "San Junipero" episode of *Black Mirror* was inspired by the song "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle. The song plays at the episode's beginning and over the end credits.
Creator Charlie Brooker first heard the song while running and believed it would be perfect for the final scene, admitting in an interview that he would have been “absolutely distraught” if they had been unable to use it. Brooker said that the song "was so important" in setting up the era so that it "felt different". The episode's uplifting tone is atypical for the series, and the song's inclusion adds to its hopeful message.
The episode's writer, Brooker, has stated that the episode's ending came about when he heard "Heaven is a Place on Earth" on a streaming playlist while writing the script. After listening to the song and lyrics several times, he came to the final shot, which shows a bank of computer servers with flashing lights, giving literal weight to the song's title.
The episode follows the introverted Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) and the outgoing Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) in a simulated reality that the elderly can inhabit, even after death. The episode ends with the two women marrying, and Kelly authorizing Yorkie's euthanasia, allowing her consciousness to pass over to San Junipero forever. Kelly, who is terminally ill, eventually decides to be euthanized and buried alongside her family, happily reuniting with Yorkie in San Junipero.
The song "Heaven is a Place on Earth" captures the episode's theme of finding love and happiness in a simulated reality, even after death. The ending of the episode is both hopeful and bittersweet, as the characters find love and a sense of carefree love in San Junipero, even as they face their mortality in the real world.
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Frequently asked questions
The episode 'San Junipero' of Black Mirror features Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven is a Place on Earth" at the beginning and end of the episode. The episode also includes "Girlfriend in a Coma" by The Smiths, which plays when Yorkie is trying on dresses.
The episode 'San Junipero' is set in a simulated reality in a beach resort town in the 1980s, where the introverted Yorkie meets the outgoing Kelly. The town is part of a virtual reality system that allows the elderly and deceased to inhabit younger versions of themselves. Yorkie, who is paralysed in the real world, wishes to be euthanised to live in San Junipero permanently. Kelly, a widow in the real world, eventually decides to enter San Junipero and marries Yorkie, allowing her to authorise Yorkie's euthanasia.
The creator of Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker, decided to license the song "Heaven is a Place on Earth" for the episode after hearing it on a streaming playlist while writing the script. The song's lyrics and upbeat tone fit the overall message and ending of the episode, where Kelly and Yorkie are shown happily married and driving off together in San Junipero.
