The Mosley Review: Judas and The Black Messiah
Films like these are great to see and are especially hard to take in. Even though they are based on true events, they are dramatized a bit. Some try to glorify one side of the political spectrum while trying to villainize the revolutionary voices fighting against a system that is corrupt. Very few focus on the fact that the war on each other is pointless and how we should be treating each other as equals. This film was based on the most violent and dangerous times for the black community and I loved that it showed both sides of the race war and not just the violence. It portrayed the loud, righteous, peaceful and proud voices of a nation that needed to be heard and the tyranny of those that wished to silence them. Films like Malcom X and Selma showed the lives of great men and focused on their climb to become legends, but this film shares the focus between Fred Hampton and his disciple William O' Neal. This was a powerful story not only about one of the greatest black voices of America, but its also the story of one of the worst traitors in history.
LaKeith Stanfield has consistently been a delight to watch on screen and as William "Bill" O'Neal, he was fantastic. Throughout the film, you see Bill's inner conscience constantly torturing him as he is fighting between devotion to the Black Panther Party and following the orders given to him by the FBI. It is truly heartbreaking to see him betraying the people he does care about and amazing to see the pain and guilt portrayed Stanfield. Jesse Plemons was equally great as his FBI handler Roy Mitchell. Jesse is great at playing the welcoming and non threatening friend and he was perfect when he finally has to put his foot down. He knows he has to follow orders and the orders he gives, but there is a moment where he doesn't quite agree with them and I liked that we saw that he wasn't completely heartless. Martin Sheen was despicable and the face of tyranny as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. There are many stories that have portrayed him as a hero, but this was definitely one of the most evil portrayals I've seen. Darrell Britt-Gibson was great as the Co-Founder of the Chicago Black Panther Party Bobby Rush and Dominique Thorne was strong and dangerous as Black Panther member Judy Harmon. Dominique Fishback delivers a charming and strong performance as Deborah Johnson. She portrays Fred Hampton's girlfriend and as the story progresses, you see their chemistry shine bright and her passion for the chapter solidify. Daniel Kaluuya was unbelievable as the chairmen of the Chicago Black Panther Party. He was a man of passion, knowledge, peace and above all, the people. You see how much power he has over the people that follow him and how much he loved and respected each member. Daniel delivers an Oscar worthy performance with such gravitas and elegance. Definitely one of his best yet.
The score by Mark Isham & Craig Harris was excellent, rightfully jazzy at points and punctuates the more tense scenes of the film. The cinematography was gorgeous and sometimes gave the film a grittier feel while keeping the world vibrant at times. Director Shaka King has made a great, powerful and enlightening film about a peaceful revolutionary man that wanted to do nothing but support his neighbors and community, no matter the color of their skin. There are many films about the race wars of the past, but this one actually humanizes a leader of a movement that is still relevant to this day. I loved this film and I can't recommend it enough. This film is currently in select theaters and is currently streaming on HBO Max. Let me know in the comments what you thought of the film or this review. Thanks for reading!
