Review: Judas and the Black Messiah
It's rare that a biopic can offer a fresh lens from which to look at a significant moment in history, but Judas and the Black Messiah, one of 2021s best films from writer/director Shaka King, was able to do just that by offering something altogether new and compelling from a well-worn genre.
Besides the ultra-compelling performances from both Kalyuua and Stanfield, (both nominated for Oscars for their roles) I was struck by the way King was able to educate us about a little-known story in American history while also subverting the biopic template and packing in heart-racing scenes of action and intrigue in a cinematic way only a truly gifted director can.
I didn’t know about, for example, the far-reaching philanthropic impact that the Illinois chapter of the Black Panthers had in that community. I didn’t know who Fred Hampton was or that he led a “Rainbow Coalition” that included white, black, and latino members that provided meals for hungry kids and protested police brutality. 2020 did a lot in the way of educating audiences about lesser known stories and figures in history. Most notably, and a good counterpart to this story, was Steve McQueen’s work in the Small Axe anthology series which highlighted the plight of the West Indie immigrant community in London over several decades.
Another way King showcased his skills and confronted our expectations is by making room for complicated characters. The heroes and villains aren’t just that. The titular Judas wavers in his allegiance, Fred Hampton is the fearless leader of a movement, but he’s also confronted with his own convictions when his girlfriend becomes pregnant and the stakes of dying for the cause change. Should he be willing to die for a revolution he’s given his whole life to even if it means leaving behind a single mother and his only child?
Featuring the talent of some of the greatest up and coming actors of the last few years, Judas and the Black Messiah is a story about justice that’s resonant today. It will go down as a 2021 film that is a genuinely enjoyable and watchable experience while teaching its audience something at the same time.