J Haltom

This movie was a steaming pile of tropes and shit dialogue.

It wasn't a perfect movie; the dialogue and the acting were often reminiscent of a Tyler Perry movie. Some bits of dialogue just hit very unnaturally and awkwardly. Perhaps that was intentional; the creator mentioned Napoleon Dynamite as one of many inspirations for the movie. But the underlying concept and symbolism of the storytelling were phenomenal. There were definite layers of interpretation. Its boldness and originality more than made up for any flaws, in my opinion. Three themes stood out to me: subjugation, complacency, and consumerism. All of these themes were explored from the perspective and context of black America, particularly, disenfranchised Black America. Even the soundtrack was carefully curated in support of these themes if you pay attention to the lyrics. (Don't skip the credits). This movie recaptured the real meaning of the concept of "woke" and not the caricature of what that term has morphed into as of 2023. There are many other aspects of the film I appreciated, from its world-building (based in part on one of my favorite movies, 'It Follows', to its homage to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' in the opening shot (Sohma advertisements plastered upon the storefront), and so much more symbolism throughout. I hope viewers can appreciate the depth of the movie and not just its superficial aspects.