Black Mirror San Junipero Ending Explained, The Plot, Cast, and More

San Junipero plot

“San Junipero” is the fascinating fourth episode of the third season of the famous British science fiction TV series “Black Mirror”. Crafted by Charlie Brooker, the man behind the show, and directed by Owen Harris, the episode debuts on Netflix on October 21, 2016, along with the rest of season three .

The story takes place in the picturesque beach resort town of San Junipero, where two people – the introverted Yorkie played by Mackenzie Davis and the extroverted Kelly played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw – Met. However, there is more to this town than meets the eye. San Junipero is a simulated reality that seniors can choose to live in even after their physical death.

“San Junipero” was originally conceived as the first episode of season three, but it went through an interesting evolution during its development. The original draft centered on the concept of nostalgia therapy and was set in the 1980s. The first script explored the story of a heterosexual couple, but it didn’t end happily. The final version, however, took a different direction, centering on a same-sex couple and having a happy ending.

Filming of this extraordinary series took place over several weeks in London and Cape Town. The soundtrack seamlessly blends iconic songs from the 1980s with an original score composed by Clint Mansell, further enhancing the immersive experience. “San Junipero” has won wide acclaim for its excellent quality. Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis’ performances were highly praised, as was the episode’s well-executed plot twists, visually stunning style, and its departure from the show’s typically dark tone. Instead adopt a more uplifting narrative.

It received higher ratings than other episodes of the series, and some critics even hailed it as one of the best TV episodes of 2016. In addition, “San Junipero” has received numerous honors, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Television Movie and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special.

Black Mirror San Junipero Ending Explained

The ending of “San Junipero” is widely regarded as the best episode of “Black Mirror” and left a deep impression on viewers. In this extraordinary finale, Yorke leaps into her vibrant red chandelier to the rousing tones of “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” Kelly joins her and they hit the road together, sailing off into the sunset as they share a heartfelt kiss. It’s a perfect and satisfying ending that leaves no room for ambiguity.

However, if it weren’t for the passion and attachment that showrunner Charlie Brooker brought to the character, and Belinda Carlyle’s infectious pop classic, this ending might have taken a very different but still quintessentially Black Mirror path path of. Brooke shared with Refinery29 that there were several scenes that he originally wrote but ultimately decided to cut from the episode.

One of the scenes features a glimpse of Kelly, played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, in a kindergarten setting. It was later revealed that the children had died and been uploaded to the simulated world of San Junipero. While the image is undoubtedly beautiful, it carries a sense of heartbreak so profound that it threatens to destabilize the entire narrative.

Instead, Brooke found great joy in crafting the episode and ultimately developed an expanded ending inspired by the impactful experience he experienced while out for a run and hearing “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” time. Sometimes, certain scenes or concepts are left out of episodes to maintain the overall tone and coherence of the story. Beyond that, however, Brooker jokingly admitted that he and Black Mirror co-creator Annabell Jones lacked morals, taste, guidance and filters, humorously calling himself “idiots.”

Additionally, Brooke debunked fan theories that Yorke and/or Kelly are simulated constructs from each other’s experiences. He confirms that their ending is indeed the happiest one imaginable, emphasizing that what seemed to happen between them actually happened. In essence, the ending of “San Junipero” provides a resounding and decisive resolution that leaves the audience with hope and contentment.

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black mirror san junipero plot

The plot of “San Junipero” is set in 1987 and revolves around Yorkie, a timid young woman played by Mackenzie Davis who visits the beach town of San Junipero Tucker’s, a popular nightclub in Perot. There she catches the attention of Kelly, played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, a vibrant, extroverted partygoer who refuses another man’s offer to talk to Yorke proposal.

The two danced together, but Yorke soon felt uncomfortable and left the club. Kelly stalks her and demands sex, but Yorke refuses and reveals that she is engaged. However, the following week, Yorke returned to Tucker’s house, where she discovered Kelly flirting with another man. The two women reunited in the bathroom, kissed passionately, and eventually had sex at Kelly’s beach house.

During their intimate encounter, Yorke admitted it was her first sexual experience, while Kelly revealed her past marriage. The following week, Yorke began searching for Kelly, visiting a BDSM-themed nightclub called “Quagmire.” Wes, a helpful patron, suggested she “try it another time.” Yorkey continued to visit the Tuckers for decades until she finally tracked down Kelly in 2002. However, Kelly initially rejected Yorkie’s advances and revealed that she was dying.

She had been avoiding Yorkies for fear of developing deep emotional connections. Nonetheless, the two women had another sexual encounter, with York reluctantly revealing her real-life location in Santa Rosa, California, suggesting they meet in person. The true nature of San Junipero is revealed – a simulated reality where the dead can inhabit and the elderly can visit, inhabiting their younger bodies for selected periods of time.

In the real world, an older version of Kelly (played by Denis Bures) visits Annabelle Davis’ Yorkie, who is cared for by Nurse Greg, played by Raymond McAnally. Kelly learned through Greg that Yorke had been paralyzed in a car accident at the age of 21, and that her parents at the time were negative about her coming out as a lesbian.

York wanted to undergo euthanasia so she could live permanently in San Junipero, but her family opposed it. As a solution, she plans to marry Greg so that he can give consent on her behalf. However, when Kelly proposed to marry York, she enthusiastically accepted the offer. Kelly authorized York’s euthanasia, allowing her to transition permanently to San Junipero.

During a subsequent visit to San Junipero, Yockey implored Kelly to stay in the simulated reality full-time. However, Kelly revealed her death intentions without uploading to the simulation. Their daughter died before San Junipero existed, and her husband made the same choice. A heated argument ensued between York and Kelly, which resulted in Kelly driving off and deliberately crashing the car. Just as Kelly’s visiting hours for the week were ending, York caught up with her and Kelly disappeared.

As time passed, Kelly eventually decided she was ready to attend San Junipero permanently. She was euthanized and buried with her family. In her new life, Kelly is happily reunited with York in the simulated reality of San Junipero.

Where can I watch Black Mirror San Junipero?

The riveting series Black Mirror: San Junipero is available to watch on Netflix. Dive into a thought-provoking plot and explore the fascinating world of San Junipero. Immerse yourself in unique storytelling and discover the twists and turns that await you in this critically acclaimed series. Experience a blend of science fiction, drama and social commentary that captivates audiences around the world. Sit back, relax and embark on an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of Black Mirror: San Junipero on Netflix.

About the “Black Mirror San Junipero” episode

episode number

Series 3

Episode 4

directed by

Owen Harris

Written by

charlie brooke

original release date

October 21, 2016

operation hours

61 minutes

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