Black Mirror San Junipero Ending Explained, The Plot, Cast, and More
by A Maria | Updated Jun 24, 2023
San Junipero Episode
"San Junipero" stands as the captivating fourth episode of the third series of the renowned British science fiction anthology television series, Black Mirror. Crafted by the mastermind behind the series, Charlie Brooker, and skillfully directed by Owen Harris, this episode made its debut on Netflix on October 21, 2016, along with the rest of series three.
The story unfolds in the picturesque beach resort town of San Junipero, where two individuals, the introverted Yorkie portrayed by Mackenzie Davis, and the more outgoing Kelly played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, cross paths. However, there's more to this town than meets the eye. San Junipero is a simulated reality where the elderly can choose to reside, even after their physical bodies have passed away.
Originally conceived as the first episode for series three, "San Junipero" underwent an intriguing evolution during its development. Initial drafts centered around the concept of nostalgia therapy and were intended to be set in the 1980s. The first script explored the story of a heterosexual couple with an unhappy ending. However, the final version took a different direction, focusing on a same-sex couple and embracing a joyful conclusion.
Filming for this extraordinary episode took place over the course of a few weeks in both London and Cape Town. The soundtrack seamlessly blends iconic 1980s songs with an original score composed by Clint Mansell, further enhancing the immersive experience. "San Junipero" garnered widespread critical acclaim for its exceptional qualities. The performances of Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis were highly praised, along with the episode's well-executed plot twist, visually stunning style, and its departure from the show's typically dark tone in favor of a more uplifting narrative.
It earned higher critical ratings compared to other episodes of the series, and some critics even hailed it as one of the finest television episodes of 2016. Additionally, "San Junipero" received numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special.
Black Mirror San Junipero Ending Explained
The ending of "San Junipero," widely regarded as the best Black Mirror episode, left a lasting impression on viewers. In this remarkable conclusion, Yorkie hops into her vibrant red drop-top, accompanied by the uplifting tones of "Heaven Is A Place On Earth." Joining her is Kelly, and as they share a heartfelt kiss, they embark on a journey together, driving into the sunset. It's a perfect and satisfying ending, devoid of any ambiguity.
However, this ending could have taken a vastly different, yet still quintessentially Black Mirror, path if it weren't for the enthusiasm and attachment that series creator Charlie Brooker developed for the characters, as well as the infectious power pop classic by Belinda Carlisle. Brooker shared with Refinery29 that there were a couple of scenes that he had initially written but ultimately decided to omit from the episode.
One of these scenes involved glimpsing Gugu Mbatha-Raw's character, Kelly, in a kindergarten setting. It would have been revealed later that these children were deceased and had been uploaded into the simulated world of San Junipero. While the image was undeniably beautiful, it carried such a profound sense of heartbreak that it risked destabilizing the entire narrative.
Instead, Brooker found immense joy in crafting the episode and ended up expanding on the ending, inspired by the impactful moment he experienced while out for a run and hearing "Heaven Is a Place on Earth." Sometimes, certain scenes or concepts are excluded from episodes to maintain the overall tone and coherence of the story. However, beyond that consideration, Brooker jokingly admitted that he and his Black Mirror co-creator, Annabel Jones, lack morals, taste, guidance, and filters, humorously referring to themselves as "idiots."
Additionally, Brooker debunked fan theories that suggested Yorkie and/or Kelly were simulated constructs within each other's experiences. He affirmed that their ending was indeed the happiest one imaginable, emphasizing that what appeared to be happening between them was truly happening. In essence, the ending of "San Junipero" provides a resounding and conclusive resolution, offering viewers a glimpse of hope and contentment.
Black Mirror San Junipero Plot
Set in 1987, the plot of "San Junipero" revolves around a timid young woman named Yorkie, portrayed by Mackenzie Davis, who visits the popular nightclub Tucker's in the beach town of San Junipero. There, she captures the attention of Kelly, played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, a vibrant and outgoing partygoer who rejects the advances of another man to engage in conversation with Yorkie.
The two share a dance, but Yorkie soon feels uncomfortable and leaves the club. Kelly follows her, making a sexual proposition, but Yorkie declines, revealing that she is engaged. However, the following week, Yorkie returns to Tucker's, where she finds Kelly flirting with another man. The two women reunite in the restroom, share a passionate kiss, and ultimately have sex at Kelly's beach house.
During their intimate encounter, Yorkie confesses that it is her first sexual experience, while Kelly discloses her past marriage. In the subsequent week, Yorkie embarks on a search for Kelly, visiting the BDSM-themed nightclub called Quagmire. Wes, a helpful patron, advises her to "try a different time." Yorkie persistently visits Tucker's in various decades until she finally locates Kelly in the year 2002. However, Kelly initially rejects Yorkie's advances, divulging that she is dying.
She had been avoiding Yorkie out of fear of developing deep emotional connections. Nonetheless, the two women engage in another sexual encounter, and Yorkie reluctantly discloses her real-life location in Santa Rosa, California, suggesting they meet in person. The true nature of San Junipero is unveiled—a simulated reality where deceased individuals can live and where the elderly can visit, inhabiting their youthful bodies during a chosen time period.
In the physical world, the elder version of Kelly, portrayed by Denise Burse, visits Yorkie, played by Annabel Davis, who is under the care of her nurse, Greg, portrayed by Raymond McAnally. Through Greg, Kelly learns that Yorkie had been paralyzed at the age of 21 due to a car accident that occurred when her parents reacted negatively to her coming out as a lesbian.
Yorkie desires to undergo euthanasia to permanently reside in San Junipero, but her family objects. As a solution, she plans to marry Greg so that he can provide consent on her behalf. However, when Kelly offers to marry Yorkie instead, she enthusiastically accepts the proposal. Kelly authorizes Yorkie's euthanasia, enabling her to transition into San Junipero permanently.
In the subsequent visits to San Junipero, Yorkie implores Kelly to stay in the simulated reality full-time. However, Kelly reveals her intention to die without being uploaded to the simulation. Her husband had made the same choice as their daughter passed away before San Junipero existed. A heated argument ensues between Yorkie and Kelly, resulting in Kelly leaving in her car and intentionally crashing it. Yorkie catches up with her just as Kelly's visitation time ends for the week, and Kelly disappears.
Time progresses, and Kelly ultimately decides that she is ready to enter San Junipero permanently. She undergoes euthanasia and is buried alongside her family. In her new existence, Kelly joyfully reunites with Yorkie within the simulated reality of San Junipero.
Black Mirror San Junipero Where to Watch?
The captivating series "Black Mirror: San Junipero" is available for streaming on Netflix. Dive into the thought-provoking episodes and explore the intriguing world of San Junipero. Immerse yourself in the unique storytelling and discover the twists and turns that await you in this acclaimed series. Experience the blend of science fiction, drama, and social commentary that has captivated audiences around the globe. Sit back, relax, and embark on an unforgettable journey as you delve into the mesmerising world of "Black Mirror: San Junipero" on Netflix.
About Black Mirror San Junipero Episode
Episode no.
Series 3
Episode 4
Directed by
Owen Harris
Written by
Charlie Brooker
Original release date
21 October 2016
Running time
61 minutes
Black Mirror San Junipero Ending Explained - FAQs
"San Junipero" is the fourth episode of the third series of the renowned British science fiction anthology television series, Black Mirror. It tells the story of two individuals, Yorkie and Kelly, who meet in the simulated reality of the beach resort town called San Junipero. The episode explores themes of love, memory, and the afterlife, providing a unique and thought-provoking narrative.
Originally, the episode had a different concept and an unhappy ending. The final version of the episode took a different direction, focusing on a same-sex couple and embracing a joyful conclusion. The ending features Yorkie and Kelly driving off into the sunset together, providing a perfect and satisfying resolution.
Filming for the episode took place in both London and Cape Town over a few weeks. One of the challenges was to create a seamless blend of iconic 1980s songs with an original score composed by Clint Mansell. Additionally, the creative team had to ensure that the episode maintained a visually stunning style and departure from the show's usual dark tone while delivering a compelling narrative.
"San Junipero" received widespread critical acclaim for its exceptional qualities. The performances of Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis were highly praised, along with the episode's well-executed plot twist, visually stunning style, and departure from the show's typically dark tone in favor of a more uplifting narrative. It earned higher critical ratings compared to other episodes of the series and received numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards.
You can stream the episode "San Junipero" and the entire series of Black Mirror on Netflix. Experience the captivating storytelling and delve into the intriguing world of San Junipero through the thought-provoking episodes available on the streaming platform.