The American Society of Magical Negroes
Movie Trailer
Release Date
March 15, 2024
Genre
Comedy, Satire
Cast & Crew
- Justice Smith as Aren
- David Alan Grier as Roger
- An-Li Bogan as Lizzie
- Drew Tarver as Jason
- Michaela Watkins as Masterson
- Aisha Hinds as Gabbard
- Tim Baltz as Officer Miller
- Rupert Friend as Mick
- Nicole Byer as DeDe
Director
Kobi Libii
Producer
Kobi Libii, Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder
Writers
Kobi Libii
Production Company
Blumhouse Productions, Focus Features
Running Time
102 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Satirical content
- Strong language
- Themes of race and social commentary
Movie Story
The American Society of Magical Negroes is a 2024 American comedy that satirizes the “Magical Negro” trope by following the story of Aren (Justice Smith), a young biracial African-American man in New York City. The film begins with Aren showcasing his yarn sculptures at an art gallery, only to face rejection and racial stereotyping. When a drunk white woman falsely accuses him of theft, he is saved by Roger (David Alan Grier), an African-American bartender who introduces him to the clandestine American Society of Magical Negroes—a group dedicated to enhancing the lives of white individuals through subtle acts of reassurance and service.
Aren joins the society and is mentored by Roger, who teaches him the group’s history and mission. Meanwhile, Aren begins to develop feelings for Lizzie (An-Li Bogan), a woman of multiethnic background he meets at a coffee shop. As he juggles his growing duties in the Society and his job at the social media platform Meetbox, Aren is tasked with helping Jason (Drew Tarver), a depressed white colleague, boost his confidence and career.
However, Aren becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Society’s expectations, particularly as they require him to sacrifice his own happiness and potential relationship with Lizzie. The climax occurs during a live Meetbox broadcast, where Aren disrupts the company’s attempt to showcase its superficial diversity efforts. His defiance not only shocks his colleagues but also weakens the magic sustaining the Society’s mission, signaling a broader rebellion against their subservient roles. The film ends with Aren reconciling with Lizzie, hinting at a new chapter of self-empowerment.
Special Effects
The American Society of Magical Negroes uses special effects sparingly, focusing more on the visual and thematic contrasts between the secret society’s vibrant, Afro-centric environments and the dull, corporate world of Meetbox. The effects serve to emphasize the surreal and satirical nature of the Society’s operations, adding depth to the film’s social commentary.
Box Office Performance
The film grossed $2.5 million at the box office. While it sparked significant discussion for its bold concept, it received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its satirical approach, while others felt it didn’t fully explore its most challenging ideas.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
- New York City, New York, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Some friends never really leave you, even the ones you made up.” – Roger
- “You left me alone, Aren. But I never left you.” – DeDe
- “The mind can be a dangerous place when the past refuses to stay buried.” – Gabbard
Behind-the-Scenes
The American Society of Magical Negroes was developed by Kobi Libii as part of Sundance’s Screenwriters and Directors Lab, with the film winning a Dolby Institute Fellowship that provided industry guidance and a cash grant for working with a sound designer. Cinematographer Doug Emmett, known for his work on The Edge of Seventeen and Sorry to Bother You, crafted a distinctive visual style that mixed classic “Black savior” film elements with a modern aesthetic. The film’s challenging scenes, particularly those set in the Los Angeles Theater, required innovative lighting techniques and rigorous technical coordination.
Final Verdict
The American Society of Magical Negroes is a bold satire that challenges racial tropes in film. With a sharp script and strong performances, particularly from Justice Smith and David Alan Grier, it offers an intriguing, if not fully realized, commentary on race and society. The film is a thought-provoking addition to contemporary cinema, designed to spark conversation about the roles assigned to marginalized communities in media and beyond.
IMDb Rating
3.5/10
Image Source: by Tobin Yelland/Focus Features