The Circle's Black Mirror-like twist makes it a moving critique of our reality TV habits

Esquire

The Netflix reality show, based on a British format, brings together Big Brother, social media and a "distinctly techno-dystopian bent that can make a viewer feel as if they’ve stepped inside an episode of Black Mirror," says Gabrielle Bruney. She adds: "Most shows quietly reflect America’s desire to see thin straights rubbing up against each other by casting said trim heterosexuals and putting them in situations that lead to them doing just that. The Circle doesn’t exactly break from this tradition—there’s Alana, the full-time model, and Antonio, the pro athlete, among other pouty and plucked players. But The Circle offers an unsubtle but occasionally moving critique of this too-familiar reality show habit....My hands were poised for wringing as I began watching the show. Being online all day isn’t enough—now we’ll be watching TV shows about other people who are just as lost in their technology as we are. But a few episodes in, as the cast mates seemingly made genuine connections from their separate rooms, I began to wonder if the trouble lies more in the digital realm or reality."

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