Judas and the Black Messiah

If there's any type of movie people are tired of expecting to see in awards shows, it's the "oppression of black people" category. While audiences are annoyed with see the constant stream of them every year, their value doesn't diminish whenever they release as their messages are definitely relevant to a modern age where crazed lunatics are somehow capable of briefly taking over the capital and Black Lives Matter movements aren't taken as seriously. The films that emerge from that are often delivered very well with care and depth to connect with audiences. This brings us to a new project within this area, Judas and the Black Messiah, which was directed and co-written by Shaka King. This was among the Warner Bros 2021 slate of movies that was part of the theatrical-HBO Max release strategy. After my first string of bad films with 2021 (at the time of this review), I'm happy to say that my viewing experience provided much needed strong quality.

Note: With how close the events have happened around the late 1960s and their connections, this film and The Trial of the Chicago 7 are a recommended pair to watch next to one another (both have differing tones so adjust the order according to mood preference since the former more serious depressing, the latter more entertaining witty).

What's it about? Taking place in 1968, the story follows an FBI informant betrayal of Black Panther Party Illinois Chapter's chairman Fred Hampton during his rising revolution. This biographical tale does a great job filling its viewers with dread with the rough actions that take place and they are definitely hard to watch in the right amounts. The uncomfortable feelings of watching the FBI plotting their movements is handled well to the point where frustration is gets too real. There are some great character moments in observing how Fred and the informant are handling their respective emotional and strategic predicaments. Seeing the depiction of the rising alliances that Black Panther Party formed is an interesting aspect that's a bit explored during their rise. There is also documentary footage of the betrayer that includes him describing his off-screen activities and other brief topics. The epilogue lands an effective gut punch providing text exposition with more details of the history regarding its subject matter.

 

For all of the great strong quality in its storytelling, however, there are a few weak spots in the armor that don't ruin the film but affect the quality a bit. The momentum set from the beginning hits a slump that appeared as it slows down a bit in middle to pad out the runtime. For example, there's a scene where 2 members of the group are suspicious of the spy as they interrogate him and it felt unnecessary as it stuck out like a sore thumb. If those were taken out, the pacing would have been a bit more smooth. A minor character or two also felt like your standard red shirts that needed to fulfill their plot roles and didn't feel like we got to know them well enough to make their inevitable fates land an impact. 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, and Jesse Plemons. Daniel gives one of his best performances in recent years that has a respectful yet inspiring presence in his mannerisms towards the public and does well in emotionally vulnerable quiet moments, making the ending more sad to watch. Lakeith gives a more understated type of portrayal where his reactions towards his own terrible actions and interactions with the FBI are compelling but doesn't let you feel bad for his character at all. Jesse, despite his limited screen time, is another great standout performer where his acting makes for an engaging looming doom and his interactions with Lakeith sells this effectively. Honorable mentions go to Dominique Fishback, Martin Sheen, and Lil Rel Howrey due to the former having sweet emotional scenes while the latter 2 were surprising actors to appear here in good supportive roles.

 

Overall Consensus: Judas and the Black Messiah gives an engaging look at a revolutionary aspect of history that's bolstered by great acting, mostly solid scenes, wonderful music, and an effective emotional impact. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/4 Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes R

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or filmmaker Shaka King. You saw The Trial of the Chicago 7 and wanted a companion piece to those events (there are connections to it here). You are interested in seeing Fred Hampton's ascension and actions for his party. You are in the mood for something to impact your feelings. You don't mind watching oppression stories.

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or filmmaker Shaka King. You saw The Trial of the Chicago 7 but don't want a depressing companion piece to those events. You aren't interested in seeing Fred Hampton's ascension and actions for his party. You aren't in the mood for something to impact your feelings. You getting tired of watching oppression stories.