Sundance 2021: Judas and the Black Messiah Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Sundance Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Judas and the Black Messiah is the latest film from director Shaka King, staring Lakeith Stanfield as William O’Neal, a man involved in a life of crime who is given the chance to bypass his jail sentence by becoming an FBI informant. He would be tasked with infiltrating the Illinois regiment of the Black Panther Party and keeping tabs on their famed leader, Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). As O’Neal begins befriends Hampton, aligning himself with the Black Panther Party, he finds himself torn between fulfilling his duties to the FBI to avoid facing a prison sentence, or staying loyal to Hampton. 

Despite King arguably not being an established name in the industry, Judas and the Black Messiah still amassed considerable buzz following the film’s announcement. While Hampton and the Black Panther Party have been prominent in countless films, this is the first major release where they are the central focus. Due to its relevant themes and important subject matter, many pegged it as a potential awards contender. While the film certainly has its flaws, there is no doubt that it will be a major force throughout awards season and will do very well commercially.

The most impressive element of Judas and the Black Messiah are its performances. Stanfield is an actor who has consistently delivered impressive performances as of late but never has he been as challenging or charismatic as he was here. Meanwhile, Dominique Fishback is a standout who will undoubtedly rise to fame but ultimately it is Kaluuya that steals the show. His complex, emotional and ferocious portrayal of Hampton is mesmerizing, and he steals every scene he is featured in. 

From a production direction standpoint, King proves himself to be a promising artistic voice within the industry. The film is thrilling and thoroughly entertaining, while never comprising the importance of the story its telling. Where the film falters, is in its screenplay. Judas and the Black Messiah attempts to cover way too much ground, without providing the necessary context for audiences to fully understand the story. While the film is almost always compelling, its slightly messy execution prevents it from landing an effective emotional punch.

Despite its messy execution, Judas and the Black Messiah is a thrilling and powerful look at the Black Panther Party, and the FBI’s ruthless attempts to disband them. 

still courtesy of Warner Bros.

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Tristan French