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The Concept Of Nostalgia In The Film 'Black Mirror'

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In the Netflix original television series Black Mirror, individuals are thrust into a simulated reality where temporary visitors or “tourists” can come once a week to live as a younger version of themselves without the fear of pain or death. The motives that lead people to come to San Junipero may vary but the main attractive feature is that it satiates peoples inherent need of nostalgia. Nostalgia is a sentiment of loss and displacement but Boym argues that “nostalgic love can only survive in a long-distance relationship” (XIII) While this may have been true before, in the show society has progressed to the point where people could bring this fantasy to reality without “[breaking] the frame” (XIV). Boym states that nostalgia and progress are twins, like Jekyll and Hyde; one cannot exist without the other. What is ironic is that the progress that has enabled the creation of the technology necessary to allow people to return to the past is the same thing that will hinder future development as Boym fears. By looking at Boym’s concept of the coeval nature of progress and nostalgia, we can understand the development and actions of Yorkie and Kelly as they decide to commit to the everlasting nostalgia and understand the ever-present danger of choosing either nostalgia with progress or progress without nostalgia. The shows main characters include Yorkie, a shy and naïve soul contrasted to Kelly, a casual, confident and joyful character. The show begins with Yorkie walking around

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