In addition to boasting a damn good cast, "USS Callister" is the most cinematic of all the episodes this season, despite much of the story revolving around an old Star Trek-esque TV show. It chronicles the disturbing journey Nanette (Cristin Milioti) goes on after waking up on a strange spaceship operated by a crew that offers constant praise to its all-knowing captain, Daly (Jesse Plemons). The kicker is that no one aboard the ship is actually alive — their consciousnesses are merely trapped inside an elaborate game Daly created in the real world (think: a much more sinister version of Jumanji).
There's some great work in this episode from Milioti as Nanette, who is exceptional on her mission to break everyone free from the game. Costars Michaela Coel and Jimmi Simpson also shine, but it's Plemons who really brings "USS Callister" over the top. As introverted and vindictive tech nerd Daly, he makes a terrifically creepy villain. All of Black Mirror's episodes can be viewed as mini movies in a way, but this is one of the few that truly feels like a fully realized sci-fi film.
