Judas and The Black Messiah

(2021)


is most simply put, a strong and moving film. Shaka King wrote and directed the film, which stars Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Dominique Fishback, and Jesse Plemons. The film tells the true story of Chairman Fred Hampton of the Illinois Black Panther Party, his work on the Rainbow Coalition, and his subsequent murder as the result of a police raid. The plot is told through the eyes of William O’Neal, a car thief turned FBI informant. O’Neal infiltrates the party in order to gain the trust of its leaders (particularly Hampton) and disclose information about the group with the FBI. The film aims to explain what really happened in the time of the Black Panther Party, particularly the truth of the circumstances of Hampton’s death and the FBI’s targeting of the Black Panther Party. What ensues is what the New York Times called “a political tragedy”.

The writing is phenomenal. The most impressive aspect of the script would have to be the speeches delivered by members of the Black Panther Party, who are fondly remembered as terrific and moving orators. The most moving speeches in the film were those of Fred Hampton himself, portrayed by the remarkable Daniel Kaluuya. Kaluuya is a seasoned actor, known mostly for his work on Jordan Peele’s

Get Out

(2017) and Melina Matsouka’s

Queen and Slim

(2019), which are similar to

Judas and the Black Messiah

in that they all discuss and analyze racism in the United States both historically and currently. Kaluuya has an impressive range as an actor, and it is shown off impeccably in this film. He is capable of everything from romance to comedy, but, as shown in

Judas and the Black Messiah,

drama is where he excels. His performance pays homage to and honors the late Fred Hampton beautifully.

By his side, Lakeith Stanfield stars as William O’Neal. Stanfield himself is no stranger to the big screen, gracing films such as

Sorry To Bother You

(2018) and

Knives Out

(2019) as well as a small part alongside Kaluuya in

Get Out.

His performance is captivating, as he makes audiences simultaneously hate him and sympathize with him, as only the best actors can.

Audiences and critics alike love the film. It earned a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, a very difficult feat, and is already nominated for a Golden Globe. The film is not a waste of time. After watching the film, I felt like it was a step towards justice for Mr. Hampton. It is informing, moving, and inspirational, which makes it an overall great watch.