Overview

• Issa Rae stars as Brandy Friday, a modern actress playing a male lead in a virtual simulation remake of a fictional 1940s film, exploring themes of digital personhood and AI identity.
• The episode connects to Black Mirror's canon through Easter eggs, including a reference to 'San Junipero' with Brandy's address as '3049 Junipero Drive' and the recurring 'Nubbin' device.
• Written by Charlie Brooker and directed by Haolu Wang, 'Hotel Reverie' delves into complex themes such as queer romance, copyright law, and the interplay of human and artificial identities.
• Innovative production techniques, such as improv games, were used to foster authentic chemistry between Rae and co-star Emma Corrin, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.
• Rae's portrayal breaks traditional casting norms, embodying a male 1940s character and reflecting broader industry trends towards challenging typecasting.