Judas and the Black Messiah

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 12, 2021

Genre
Biographical Drama, Historical, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton
• LaKeith Stanfield as William “Bill” O’Neal
• Jesse Plemons as Roy Mitchell
• Dominique Fishback as Deborah Johnson
• Ashton Sanders as Jimmy Palmer
• Martin Sheen as J. Edgar Hoover

Director
Shaka King

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Newlyweeds (2013)
• Mulignans (2015) (short film)

Producer
Ryan Coogler, Charles D. King, Shaka King

Writer
Shaka King, Will Berson

Budget
$26 million

Production Company
MACRO, Participant, Bron Creative, Warner Bros. Pictures

Running Time
126 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Thematic elements including racial injustice and political repression

Movie Story
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a powerful biographical drama that tells the story of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), the charismatic chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s, and the betrayal that led to his assassination. The film is centered around the infiltration of the Black Panthers by William “Bill” O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield), a petty criminal turned FBI informant who was coerced into providing information about Hampton to the FBI in exchange for leniency on his own legal troubles.

As O’Neal becomes more deeply embedded in the Panthers, he finds himself increasingly conflicted about his role as a Judas figure, betraying a movement that is fighting for racial justice and equality. Meanwhile, Hampton’s rise as a leader and his efforts to build a multiracial coalition known as the “Rainbow Coalition” make him a target for the FBI, led by J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen), who views Hampton as a dangerous revolutionary.

The film is a gripping exploration of the intersection of race, power, and betrayal. It delves into the psychological toll on O’Neal as he grapples with his loyalty to the FBI and his growing admiration for Hampton. The story builds toward the tragic climax, where O’Neal’s betrayal leads to a police raid that results in Hampton’s assassination.

“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a deeply moving and intense film that shines a light on a critical period in American history. The performances by Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield are exceptional, with Kaluuya’s portrayal of Hampton capturing both his fiery oratory and his compassionate leadership, while Stanfield conveys the inner turmoil of a man caught between self-preservation and conscience.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Judas and the Black Messiah” are minimal, focusing instead on realism and historical accuracy. The film uses practical effects and period-accurate set designs to recreate the late 1960s, particularly in scenes depicting the Black Panther headquarters, community rallies, and the tense confrontations between the Panthers and law enforcement. The cinematography, by Sean Bobbitt, emphasizes the gritty, atmospheric tone of the era, using a muted color palette and handheld camera work to create a sense of immediacy and immersion in the story.

Box Office Performance
“Judas and the Black Messiah” was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of the hybrid release model, the film garnered significant attention and praise for its timely subject matter, powerful performances, and strong direction. The film grossed approximately $7 million at the box office but found a much larger audience through streaming. It was widely recognized during the awards season and sparked conversations about the historical and contemporary relevance of the Black Panther Party and the systemic racism they fought against.

Filming Locations

• Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You can kill a revolutionary, but you can’t kill the revolution.” – Fred Hampton
• “The Black Panthers are the single greatest threat to our national security.” – J. Edgar Hoover

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Shaka King, known for his work in independent film, approached “Judas and the Black Messiah” with a focus on authenticity and historical accuracy. The film was developed with input from Fred Hampton’s family, ensuring that his legacy was portrayed with respect and integrity. Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield both underwent extensive preparation for their roles, with Kaluuya studying Hampton’s speeches and mannerisms to accurately capture his powerful presence. The film’s production design and costume work were also carefully crafted to reflect the late 1960s, providing a vivid backdrop for the story. The collaboration between King and producers Ryan Coogler and Charles D. King was key to bringing the film’s vision to life.

Awards

• Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Daniel Kaluuya)
• Nominated for Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Song (“Fight for You”)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (Daniel Kaluuya)
• BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor (Daniel Kaluuya)

Final Verdict
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a searing, impactful film that not only tells a compelling story of betrayal and resistance but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. The film’s powerful performances, particularly by Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield, anchor a narrative that is both deeply personal and politically resonant. Shaka King’s direction ensures that the film is both a gripping thriller and a thought-provoking examination of a pivotal moment in history. “Judas and the Black Messiah” is essential viewing for those interested in American history, social justice, and the complexities of human motivations.

IMDb Rating
7.5/10