Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Black Mirror season 7, episode 3, “Hotel Reverie.”Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker explains how “Hotel Reverie” is a companion story to one of the series’ earlier installments. Continuing to explore ideas of technology and human behavior, the season 7 episode follows actor Brandy Friday (portrayed by Isa Rae), whose desire for a new role lands her inside a simulation of the 1940s in-universe movie, “Hotel Reverie.” However, a technical malfunction seemingly traps Brandy alongside an AI version of star Clara/Dorothy Chambers (Emma Corrin), who momentarily becomes cognizant, and they develop a romance.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Brooker revealed that “Hotel Reverie” is slightly connected to another Black Mirror episode. The creator explained that “it’s a companion piece” to the season 3 episode, “San Junipero,” noting how they share similar themes “about nostalgia, escape, relationships, and second chances.” He adds that, while “there’s shared DNA,” the Redream technology is different. Read some of Brooker’s comments below:

It’s a companion piece, in some ways. Clearly, there’s definite themes that overlap.

What This Means For Black Mirror & "Hotel Reverie"

The Episode Does Call To Mind “San Junipero”

“San Junipero” navigates a romantic relationship between Yorkie and Kelly, portrayed by Mackenzie Davis and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and is often considered among the best Black Mirror episodes. Throughout it, their characters explore a virtual reality, based on a 1980s version of San Junipero, and grow close, despite Yorkie claiming she is engaged. The episode tackles emotional ideas surrounding intimacy and life after death, as Yorkie and Kelly, who are aging and dying in real-life, eventually agree to spend eternity together.

“Hotel Reverie” bears some similarities to “San Junipero,” particularly in Brandy’s desire to escape and then remain part of the Redream simulation. Early on, her presence changing the main storyline and coffee damaging real-world technology made it harder for Brandy to leave. Following days spent together, Brandy and Clara begin to it their love for each other, but unlike “San Junipero,” a system reset causes Clara to forget everything. By the end of “Hotel Reverie,” Clara is killed by police officers and Brandy returns to her physical body, cutting their otherworldly romance short.

Our Take On Black Mirror Season 7's "Hotel Reverie"

The Episode May Feature A "San Junipero" Easter Egg

Both Black Mirror episodes transport their characters back in time through virtual reality, where they fall in love. What makes “Hotel Reverie” different is that Brandy is very much still alive by the conclusion, and loses Clara to a modified version of the film, but the ending of “Hotel Reverie” is bittersweet and may even include a “San Junipero” Easter egg of sorts. As the modern remake becomes a streaming success, Brandy receives a package, delivered to her address at Junipero Drive, containing a phone that somehow allows her to speak to Clara.

Source: EW