Plot and setting
In “Nosedive,” what rating does everyone start with, including Lacie?
5.0
What is Lacie’s main goal at the beginning of “Nosedive”?
To improve her rating to 4.5 or higher.
What is the main theme of “Nosedive”?
The dangers of basing self-worth on social validation or ratings.
Where is Lacie traveling to, and why?
To a wedding; she wants to boost her rating by being a bridesmaid at Naomi’s high-profile wedding.
Describe one way Naomi, Lacie’s friend, differs from Lacie in personality or outlook.
Naomi is more successful and seems confident, but she’s also shallow and willing to drop Lacie if it affects her social standing.
What does Lacie’s smartphone symbolize in the episode?
It symbolizes dependency on social media and how technology controls her self-esteem and life choices.
What kind of world does “Nosedive” take place in? Describe one way the setting impacts the characters.
It’s a world where social media ratings determine personal success, affecting opportunities and social interactions.
How does Lacie’s attitude toward her rating change over the course of the episode?
She goes from obsessively trying to improve her rating to realizing it’s meaningless, especially after her breakdown at the wedding.
Describe how the mood shifts during Lacie’s trip to Naomi’s wedding.
The mood becomes tense and unsettling, reflecting Lacie’s frustration and desperation as her plans begin to fall apart.
Explain the impact of Lacie’s decision to hitch a ride with Susan, the truck driver. How does this part of the plot influence her character?
Susan’s low rating and lack of concern about ratings show Lacie a different perspective, challenging her obsession with ratings and subtly pushing her toward change.
How does Susan help Lacie reflect on her values?
Susan’s low rating and disregard for the rating system contrast sharply with Lacie’s obsession, helping Lacie see the futility in her pursuit of social validation.
How does the tone change in the final scenes when Lacie is in jail?
The tone becomes defiant and liberating, contrasting with the earlier tension and symbolizing Lacie’s freedom from societal expectations.
Identify the climax of the episode. Why is this the turning point in Lacie’s story?
The climax is at the wedding, where Lacie loses control and disrupts the event. It marks her breaking point, where she realizes the damaging effect of her obsession with approval.
Lacie’s final scene in jail shows her interacting with another inmate. How does this exchange reveal her transformation?
She exchanges insults without concern for ratings, showing she’s finally freed from her obsession and able to express genuine emotion without fear of judgment.
Explain how the soundtrack helps build the mood during Lacie’s downward spiral. Give one example.
The music shifts from upbeat to tense and somber, enhancing the sense of unease as her rating falls and her desperation grows, especially during scenes like her hitchhiking.