Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah (2020)

Cinema loves a good snitch story and so do I. From Johnny Depp in Donnie Brasco to Leo in The Departed. Theyre all great films and this is no exception. What is it about a metaphorical rat that guarantees a compelling and satisfying watch? I suppose it’s the constant stress. Close relationships being built and inevitably destroyed and the fraternal heartbreak of the deepest betrayal. It’s all so Greek!

The titular Judas in question is real life car thief Bill O’Neal. To avoid jail time he becomes an informer for the FBI and infiltrates the Illinois arm of the Black Panther Party, cosying up to their charismatic leader Fred Hampton.

LaKieth Stanfield plays O’Neal with such charm and amiability you’ll be surprised when you read what happens to the real antagonist during the credits. Daniel Kaluuya (both actors from the outstanding Get Out) commands the screen in every scene he is in. He exudes a fearless aura and his empowering discourse could raise the dead. Both actors are Oscar nominated (bizarrely, in Best Supporting) but it looks to be Kaluuya’s and deservedly so. Dominique Fishback has some affecting scenes as political ingenue and Hampton’s other half. BAFTA did right to give her a nomination. Always good when BAFTA nail it. Oh and loveable Martin Sheen undoes all his good work in The West Wing by playing J. Edgar Hoover so remarkably vile.

Director Shaka King takes us on an edgy and nerve wracking journey but it’s not without a fun nature. And the jazzy score really gets under your skin. It is stylish, tense yet entertaining.

9 Sweating Thumbs Up 👍🏻