Heyo!
I want to right an uber quick post to a) prove to myself that this is possible, better enabling me to b) actually write more often and c) allow myself to accomplish some other important things this day calls for. So away we go!
Let's talk about "Sorry to Bother You" (2018)!
In summary:
I'm really glad this movie was made and I am glad I saw it. I did not, per se,
enjoy every minute of it. And I still think people should see it.
Explanation for Summary:
"Sorry to Bother You" is an interesting and inventive movie weaving together elements of science fiction and satire with whiffs of "Being John Malkovich" (1999) and a healthy dose of racial minority stress/horror reminiscent of star Lakeith Stanfield's recent role in
"Get Out" (2017).
Previews make it seem as if "Sorry to Bother You" is largely a narrative focused on
code switching and "white voice," and while this is absolutely an important aspect of the movie, it is in actuality a much broader film.
Set in a near-future dystopian Oakland, the movie pursues to their disturbing next chapter current societal trends like the erosion of workers' rights, the dismantling of unions, and costs of living outpacing typical workers' wages. "Sorry to Bother You" expands on these themes by commingling them with our nation's ongoing entanglement with and re-enactment of our history of slavery and the dehumanization and devaluation of people of color. The result is disturbing, entertaining, and keeps you guessing until its conclusion.
To add to that already formidable accomplishment, the movie features a great leading performance by Lakeith Stanfield along with great supporting performances by Danny Glover, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Terry Crews, Omari Hardwick, Kate Berlant, Michael X. Sommers, and
Walking Dead's Steven Yeun. The film is noticeably augmented by an ear-catching
soundtrack. Creative cinematographic choices--like literally dropping Stanfield's Cassius Green into the living rooms of the customers he is calling--jolt you out of complacency and warn you that this is a movie that will keep you on your toes. There are also plenty of moments of humor that made me laugh aloud.
Honestly, its considerable quality and intrigue aside, I like "Sorry to Bother You" because we live in an era of constant unnecessary sequels and I'm therefore just so grateful for any movie with a fresh and invigorating take on filmmaking.
So why any reservation whatsoever in my enjoyment of this film?
Look, this shit is dark. Contemplating society's progression, in the context of our current economic, political, and ethical climate, is not pleasant. "Sorry to Bother You" might be classified as sci-fi/comedy, but it still feels a bit close to possible future reality for comfort. I definitely recommend it, knowing that like me you might walk out of it with a bit of queasiness in your stomach.
I gave "Sorry to Bother You" a 4.
{Heart}
