Black Mirror Bete Noire: Netflix shakes the streaming world once again with the release of Black Mirror Season 7. One of the most talked-about episodes this season is Black Mirror: Bete Noire, a story that blurs the line between reality and fiction.

Not only does it explore gaslighting as a narrative theme, but Netflix also pulled off something unprecedented: releasing two different versions of the same episode — without telling anyone.

Black Mirror Bete Noire

What Does "Bête Noire" Mean?

Bête Noire is a French term that literally means “black beast.” In everyday usage, it refers to something deeply disliked or personally feared. In the context of Black Mirror: Bete Noire, it represents the loss of control over one’s own reality — a psychological nightmare made real.

Black Mirror: Bete Noire Story Explained

The episode follows Maria (played by Siena Kelly), a food researcher who starts noticing mysterious changes in the world around her. She insists that her boyfriend’s favorite fast-food chicken place is called Bernies, but everyone — including internet search results and even his hat — says it’s Barnies.

Things get even stranger when her old friend Verity resurfaces and reveals she’s developed a technology to explore parallel universes, where small changes — like a restaurant’s name — can occur.

The gaslighting here is subtle yet haunting, making Maria question her reality, her memories, her trust in others — and in herself.

Netflix Releases Two Versions of Black Mirror: Bete Noire

This is what made the episode a phenomenon. Netflix randomly served two different versions of Black Mirror: Bete Noire to viewers. In one version, the restaurant is called Bernies; in the other, it’s Barnies. All visual details — search results, logos, dialogue — are seamlessly tailored to match.

With no official announcement, social media quickly exploded with debate, as viewers experienced a real-life Mandela Effect, swearing they watched different versions than their friends. Netflix turned the episode’s theme into an off-screen experience of gaslighting itself.

Netflix even teased the public via X (Twitter), posting the word “bernies,” to which the Black Mirror account replied, “barnies.” A playful but clever move that amplified the mystery and pulled viewers deeper into the illusion.

Main Cast of Black Mirror: Bete Noire

• Siena Kelly as Maria, the protagonist facing a reality crisis.

• Rosy McEwen as Verity, an old friend and multiverse tech scientist.

• Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown) as Gabe, their boss at work.

Why You Should Watch Black Mirror: Bete Noire

This episode takes Black Mirror’s signature style to a more personal and experimental level. It draws viewers into the protagonist’s uncertainty and paranoia in a uniquely immersive way.

Netflix brilliantly taps into modern viewing habits — especially how audiences constantly discuss content on social media. By delivering multiple versions of the same episode, the gaslighting doesn’t stop on-screen — it spills into everyday conversations.

Black Mirror: Bete Noire Is More Than Just an Episode

Bete Noire proves that Black Mirror still leads the techno-thriller genre with bold, relevant storytelling. With its original concept, multiverse tech, and dual-version release strategy that blurs fiction and reality, Netflix delivers an unforgettable viewing experience.

Black Mirror Season 7 is now streaming on Netflix.
Already watched Bete Noire? Ask your friends: Did they see the Bernies version or the Barnies one?

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