A new feature film by writer and director Shaka King.
It is certainly interesting that Judas and the Black Messiah came out in the same year (at least in terms of awards) as The Trial of the Chicago 7 (see review here). Both films deal with real events during the 1960s in the USA, more specifically the Chicago area. But while Aaron Sorkin's film only shows Bobby Seale's role on the fringe of the main events of the film, and Fred Hampton has a small role as a visitor to the trial, Shaka King's film is centered on the Black Panther Party and Fred Hampton. Both films are powerful and educational, and are very topical in light of the peaceful protests last year and the Black Lives Matter movement in general.
The knowledge of viewers about Fred Hampton might not be on the same level depending on where one grew up; as a European my knowledge of his life was not very detailed but the film does not require any more than an open mind. (To avoid spoiling the ending I won't go into details about Hampton's or O'Neale's life here.) The most interesting element from a cinematic perspective is that the story is not just chronologically and objectively told related to Fred Hampton's activism, but that there is a focus on the torn FBI-informant William O'Neale, which allows for very interesting perspectives. The FBI and its agents are also shown with the justifications of their actions, and even Mr. Hoover has an uncanny appearance. Overall, it is a very unusual story of activists vs. police, with the Black Panther Party getting new allies and fighting against all odds for their rights and convictions.
Hampton is portrayed by English actor Daniel Kaluuya, who has already garnered recognition for his role in Get Out and also appeared in Black Panther (the Marvel film unrelated to the Party), thus making him a household name even before this great performance. He was considered a frontrunner in the awards season and has just recently won a Golden Globe as a Best Supporting Actor. His Oscar nomination is therefore no surprise, but the nomination of his co-star LaKeith Stanfield (also known from Get Out as well and from the series Atlanta) was not expected by many. (Personally, I liked his performance very much, especially as his torn character gave him great material to work with.)
What I personally find strange is that the decision was made to put both of them in the Supporting Actor category, despite being the two protagonists and also the title characters (as Judas and Messiah). This might be due to studio preferences and strong contenders for Best Leading Actor with even more screen time, but it is nevertheless unusual. In the end, the Academy made the decision, which has to be accepted.
Besides its two leading actors, the cast is supported by the wonderful Dominique Fishback (The Hate U Give) in a touching performance, the omnipresent and talented Jesse Plemons (Fargo, Breaking Bad) as an FBI agent as well as Martin Sheen in a memorable performance as J. Edgar Hoover.
Overall, it is not a surprise that this film is getting so much recognition, and even received a Best Picture and Best Screenplay nomination. It is telling a shocking true story in a convincing and heartbreaking way, filled with powerful performances and events that make the audience remember this film.
(Images: IMDB)