WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Issa Rae’s ‘Black Mirror’ Performance Has Fans Divided: “This Ain’t Insecure, Sis” Issa Rae is one of those stars we’ve rooted for since Day 1 — from Awkward Black Girl on YouTube to Insecureroyalty on HBO. But her latest role in Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 3, has some fans… pressing pause. The internet lit up after the episode aired last weekend, and unfortunately, not for the best reasons. Issa’s performance as a tech exec in a dystopian social media nightmare (classic Black Mirror) has been met with mixed to downright savage reviews. “I love Issa Rae, but this was not her episode,” one viewer tweeted. The episode centers around ReDream, a sleek (and morally sketchy) new technology that allows studios to reshoot old films with new actors — essentially remixing cinema history. Think Casablanca, but with algorithmic casting and deepfakes. Awkwafina plays Kimmy, a quirky tech exec who strikes a desperate deal with a debt-ridden studio to reboot one of their biggest hits, Hotel Reverie. The OG black-and-white romance starred the troubled Dorothy Chambers (played hauntingly by Emma Corrin). But in this reboot, Dorothy’s love interest — Dr. Alex Palmer — is reimagined with modern-day superstar Brandy Friday, portrayed by none other than Issa Rae. So, Issa as a futuristic AI-era leading lady in a reworked love story? On paper: we’re sold. While Issa’s natural charisma shines in comedic, relatable roles, this episode required dark, internal tension and a slow mental unraveling. Fans felt like she didn’t quite nail the shift from confident CEO to haunted tech creator. “She was basically giving us Insecure Issa in a blazer,” a Reddit user commented. Some are blaming the writing — arguing that her character felt underdeveloped and the episode rushed — while others say Issa might just be out of her element when it comes to sci-fi thrillers. That said, not everyone is hating. “Y’all need to chill. Issa Rae in Black Mirror is a flex, even if it wasn’t perfect,” one fan tweeted. There’s definitely something to be said for stepping outside your comfort zone, and Issa’s never been one to play it safe with her projects. Issa hasn’t responded to the criticism (and honestly, she probably won’t — she stays unbothered). And with her other shows (Rap Sh!t, anyone?) and her producing empire still going strong, this one meh episode likely won’t leave a dent in her career. But still — when it comes to Black Mirror, expectations are high. And this time around, fans were hoping for mind-blowing and got… mildly confused. Final word? We love Issa — always will. But let’s just say, Echo Chamber may not end up on her greatest hits reel.
“It’s giving high school theater club energy,” another wrote.
And someone even said, “This ain’t Insecure, sis — bring back the Issa we know and love.”What’s the Episode About?
Where Did It Go Wrong?
“Where was the fear? The panic? I didn’t buy her descent at all.”Some Fans Are Defending Her
“She tried something new — let her explore her range,” another added.So, What’s Next?
Issa Rae Dragged For Horrible Acting In New Black Mirror Episode
