Summary
The American Society of Magical Negroes is a controversial satirical fantasy-comedy film directed by Kobi Libii. The movie explores the concept of a secret society of Black people with magical powers who use their gifts to ease tensions with white people. Despite concerns about the trailer and its portrayal of certain stereotypes, the film aims to critique white supremacy and offers well-written characters with a fresh perspective.
The American Society of Magical Negroes has been seen as a controversial movie since its trailer was released, but star David Alan Grier is wholeheartedly defending the project. It is certainly an ambitious concept, especially considering that it serves as writer-director Kobi Libii’s feature film directorial debut. The movie imagines a Hogwarts-esque institution where Black people with magic powers are trained to use their gifts to defuse tension with white people and thus safeguard their communities.
Dungeons & Dragons star Justice Smith leads the cast of The American Society of Magical Negroes as Aren, a struggling artist who is rescued from a sticky situation by Roger (Grier) and promptly introduced to a new life path. But when his first mission to appease a white coworker named Jason (Drew Tarver) results in a love triangle, Aren finds himself questioning how far he’s willing to go to cater to white society. The fact that the trailer centered on said romantic dilemma caused many audiences discomfort, as it seemed to play into the very stereotypes the movie was meant to satirize.
While attending the Sundance Film Festival premiere of the film, Screen Rant asked Grier about the controversy, and the actor shared why he chose the project:
It was just different and from a different point of view. I was surprised. As you know, the older you get, the harder it is to be surprised — especially when you have kids. They go, “Guess what, Mom?” And you’re like, “Let me guess.” Anytime that I can find a script that’s unique and a little different, from a different point of view, it’s fun. Good characters; well-written… I’m down for it! I can’t tell you how many times my manager says, “Look, I’m gonna send you the script,” and you gotta find words [to say], “You know what? It’s just not for me. God bless everybody.” So, this was a fast yes. I was like, “Yeah, let’s go.”
Why The American Society of Magical Negroes Trailer Received Mixed Responses
For those unfamiliar with the terminology, “magical negro” refers to a cinematic trope in which a Black supporting character is reduced to the white protagonists they aid onscreen. While first popularized by iconic filmmaker Spike Lee in the early 2000s, the term now has widespread usage in discussions of both film and literature. Naturally, the use of this phrase in the title led many viewers to expect that The American Society of Magical Negroes would directly engage with the harmful trope through satire.
The trailer, which focused on Aren falling for Lizzie (An-Li Bogan) against the advice of Roger, made many pockets of internet audiences afraid that the movie would play the trope in too straightforward a fashion. Libii is walking a fine line between poking fun at the idea of prioritizing white discomfort and actively falling into the same trap by spotlighting the white characters onscreen rather than simply satirizing them. But Grier has a different take on the material, and it is the very reason he chose to star in the project. The veteran actor was drawn in by the well-written characters, noting how the screenplay offers a fresh and surprising perspective on the topic.
While many may take issue with how the movie confronts the trope, there is no doubt that Libii means it as a critique of white supremacy in today’s society. With a talented cast that not only includes Justice Smith (who also stars in Sundance selection I Saw the TV Glow) and David Alan Grier, but also Nicole Byer and Alisha Hinds, viewers can all look forward to characters that sparkle onscreen — even if the consensus on the message they deliver remains divided after the credits roll.
The American Society of Magical Negroes premiered at Sundance Film Festival on January 19 and arrives in theaters on March 22.
Source: Screen Rant Plus
The American Society of Magical Negroes
The American Society of Magical Negroes is a satirical fantasy-comedy film by writer-director Kobi Libii released in 2024. Aren, a young man, discovers he has magical abilities when invited into a secret society of Black people with magic dedicated to making the lives of white people easier. However, when Aren is tasked with helping a man secure a romance with a woman at work, the situation becomes complicated when he falls for her himself.
Release Date March 22, 2024
Director Kobi Libii
Cast Justice Smith , David Alan Grier , An-Li Bogan , Drew Tarver , Michaela Watkins , Aisha Hinds , Tim Baltz , Rupert Friend , Nicole Byer
Runtime 104 Minutes
Writers Kobi Libii
Studio(s) Offscreen , Sight Unseen
Distributor(s) Focus Features