Review: ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’

Reviews

Judas and the Black Messiah is a bold and unflinching film that is a vitally important watch. It sees a never-better LaKeith Stanfield, who leads as FBI Informant William O’Neale. Backed by incredible filmmaking and a stellar cast, Shaka King‘s feature film debut is something amazing to behold. Whilst its filmmaking components are stunning to gaze upon, the story is heart-wrenching and frankly, very shocking.

The intensity of Judas and the Black Messiah is primarily through King’s choice to privilege us with insight and the goings-on from both sides. This aids in building a visceral sense of hatred for the inhumane forces that oppose the Black Panthers and their cause. And one’s empathy is heightened through those choices as we desperately hope nothing bad will happen. However, history has been set and King successfully manipulates an effective, emotionally gripping tale. 

Based on real-life events, the film follows FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) who is tasked with infiltrating the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. His goal is to gather intelligence on Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). It details the FBI’s want to suppress the Black Panthers, but more specifically Hampton whose words they desperately fear. O’Neal’s betrayal of Hampton led to the cold-hearted assassination of the revolutionary Chairman on one fateful, despicable night.

Daniel Kaluuya in 'Judas and the Black Messiah' (Warner Bros.)
The style of Judas and the Black Messiah is beautifully sleek, exciting, and rapturous. Its cinematography is an endless feast of neo-noir-like beauty, utilizing a gorgeous palette of colour which highlights the humanity of Kaluuya’s Fred Hampton and those who surround him. Whilst contrasting this to the coldness of the FBI. The struggle that’s seen on-screen is emphasized through the film’s style which is captivating, yet harsh in all the best ways. One is left constantly exhilarated but also in a state of disgust (towards the injustices), this contrast highlights King’s skillful direction. It is incredibly immersive.

“You can murder a freedom fight, but you can’t murder freedom.” These are the words uttered in one of Fred Hampton’s stirring speeches, such intensity and furiousness are seen in the blistering actions and gaze of Kaluuya. Kaluuya plays Hampton with a fiery, humane, and warming energy. It’s this contrast from his home-life and charismatic encounters to the sheer intensity and anger against those who oppress that highlights Kaluuya as a tremendous Oscar-worthy talent. Whereas Stanfield has the tricky, emotionally-draining job of depicting a man full to the brim with trauma and internal struggle. Stanfield’s performance is jaw-dropping as he lays himself completely bare and vulnerable.

Ultimately, Shaka King does a tremendous job delivering a well-fashioned and neatly told story. Backed by two jaw-droppingly brilliant actors, LaKeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya, who deliver some of their very best work to date. The film is bold, unflinching, and vividly memorable, it’s a must-watch for all. – Ben Rolph

Rating: 5/5

Judas and the Black Messiah will be released in theaters and on HBO Max on February 12, 2021.