Judas and the Black Messiah is an American historical drama film directed by Shaka King. It stars Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, and Dominique Fishback in main roles and is available on HBO Max for streaming from 12th February 2021.
The film is based in the late 1960s, Chicago. A small thief Bill O'Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) used to steal cars by showing a fake ID but is caught by an FBI officer Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). He gives Bill two options - to work for them as an undercover and to provide every information about what is going on in the Black Panther Party led by Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) and what they're planning to do next or to go to jail for the crimes he committed. The film further shows how Bill, who worked for the security in the party, deceived the chairman of the Black Panther Party, Fred, and was murdered in his sleep at the age of just 21, to stop him from creating any mayhem or any revolt.
The story is by Will Berson, Shaka King, Kenny Lucas, and Keith Lucas with a screenplay by Will Berson and Shaka King, the film shows the assassination of a black activist and the chairman of the Black Panther Party of the Illinois chapter, Fred Hampton. How he tried to bind several other groups and parties to create a rainbow coalition to which Hoover (Martin Sheen) the director of the FBI, orders to do whatever it takes to take Fred down, is all showcased with perfection and realism.
In January, we saw One Night In Miami, a black activist Malcolm X, trying to persuade his friends to join in this war against racism, but was assassinated at the age of 39. Here, the real story has a resemblance from BlacKkKlansman but also mentions Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and other names who died fighting for equality. The FBI officer Roy Mitchell tells Bill that there is a way to equality, a good and a bad way. Shaka King handles everything with sensitivity showing the strong characters with confidence and with delicacy.
Fred's private life with her girlfriend Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback) is wisely shown. King and his writers know what they want to show. There's nothing sort of bonding between the two lead actors, which work otherwise, like elevating the impact of the scenes where black people are tortured on the streets or the party headquarter was blown out. The characters pop out as individuals, Fred is not only giving speeches but is genuinely concerned about the people he's fighting for. His willingness to be sacrificed for the people he loved is effectively shown here.
Whereas Bill, the informer, finds himself in a muddling situation while he is attending Fred's lectures and when he's with Mitchell, providing him the blueprint of Fred's headquarter and house. That's why Mitchell says that Bill is either an academy award winner actor or he is genuinely moved by the words of Fred. Deborah brings a human touch to the film with her emotional presence and always stands up for Fred. The film dips a bit when Fred is in jail but otherwise, it is a moving film that will make your heart pound up to its last minute.
Daniel Kaluuya has given an electrifying performance as Fred Hampton. Such a nuanced performance, with body movements and expressions, which speaks so much about the character, he nailed Fred to the core. He lived Fred. From Get Out to Black Panther, he has made his mark in the acting world. Lakeith Stanfield, another terrific actor, and it was not surprising from him to give such a fine performance. His insecurity, fear, and panic are very much visible in his face and his voice, and not a single scene he dips. He's phenomenal. Jesse Plemons is also very good as Roy Mitchell. And Dominique Fishback as Deborah also gave her best.
The cinematography by Sean Bobbitt is good enough. The production design by Sam Lisenco is appropriate. The music by Mark Isham and Craig Harris is outstanding. There are amazing jazz tunes that keep coming up in the background. The editing by Kristan Sprague is perfect.
Judas and the Black Messiah by Shaka King is truly a worth watching film with superlative performances from Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield. It moves you from inside with the kind of powerful story it tells at its core. The film ends, but it has an impact and will stay with you. The film also can be considered as a tribute to those leaders and heroes who fought for us, for humanity, but if you see a larger picture, the fight continues. Watch it, who knows, it might unlock a hero inside you, it has that power.
Rating:- 3.5/5
Now in theatres and streaming on HBO Max for a month.
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