In a new era of political division and protest, Hollywood has apparently rediscovered the late 1960s and its turmoil on the streets as a way of mirroring what American society is experiencing now. Following the brilliant example of Aaron Sorkin The Chicago 7 Trial, now we have another real history of the government trying to suppress the increasingly dissident voices, in this case with the controversial Black Panther movement in the same period. Director Shaka King imposes himself vigorously and gives him seriousness when opening his eyes Judas and the Black Messiah. Daniel Kaluuya stars as Fred Hampton, the charismatic young president of the Black Panther division in Illinois, and Lakeith Stanfield is William O’Neal, the troubled young man who infiltrates his organization as an FBI informant, which targets the group, and particularly Hampton, as radical terrorists who are a threat to national security.
In fact, Hampton is a secondary player in Chicago 7 trial, seen sitting behind and conferring with fellow Panther Bobby Seale, who is part of the group on trial; Hampton, in fact, was murdered while that circus of a trial was taking place. But here we have a complete picture and we know the real Hampton as an extremely polished and effective speaker for his cause, a defense expert at his side who knows how to incite followers and has clever ideas to perhaps take the Black Panthers to another level.
Enrolling as a student at a midwestern college, he moves up the ranks quickly – so fast that it catches the eye of notorious FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen), who lists a dedicated, self-proclaimed beacon of morality , FBI special agent Roy Mitchell (an excellent Jesse Plemons), to stop the Panthers and Hampton that Hoover sees as an emerging threat. Plemons finds O’Neal – accused of impersonating an FBI agent and driving a stolen car across state borders – as a perfect contrast to infiltrate the Panther organization and its most progressive chapter, to get to the heart of the operation. Hampton so they can take you out. Facing the choice to cooperate or spend seven years in prison, O’Neal finds himself sucked into the plan, an uncomfortable accomplice in conflict between what he increasingly sees as Hampton and Panther’s noble causes and his own desire for a life. better than you see in Mitchell’s world. It is complex, divided between two paths and walking on a very dangerous tightrope. He is Judas and Hampton, the Black Messiah, the latter the description that Hoover uses to mark the group he is trying to overthrow.
Joining co-writers Will Berson, Keith Lucas and Kenny Lucas, King expertly describes each side of the equation in this raw and exciting account set in 1968: the emerging strength of the Black Panthers, seen as a threat to Hoover’s worldview and Hampton’s belief in the power of the people to rise towards equality and justice in a society that is being torn apart. Kaluuya once again demonstrates exceptional strength as an actor, particularly effective in recreating Hampton’s speeches, so self-confident at the age of 21, sadly introducing a cut man before he could reach greatness. But it is Stanfield who really has the most challenging job here, trying to navigate both sides without imploding, a defective man tragically deceiving himself and everyone around him. Stanfield is sensational on paper, the best career so far. Also very good is Dominique Fishback as Hampton’s revolutionary companion and emerging love interest, fiercely dedicated and nine months pregnant.
In the circle around Hampton are several other good players, including Jimmy Palmer (Ashton Sanders), enthusiastic follower Jake Winters (Algee Smith), security captain Judy Harmon (Dominique Thorne) and cofounder of the Illinois Panthers. Bobby Rush (Darrell Britt-Gibson). Lil Rel Howery also has his moments as Wayne, who meets O’Neal on the night streets of Chicago.
The producers are Ryan Coogler (dealing with a very different Black Panther this time), Charles D. King and Shaka King. Warner Bros. releases the film in theaters and on HBO Max on February 12, after tonight’s world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Check out my review above with scenes from the movie. Do you plan to see Judas and the Black Messiah? Let us know what you think.