Summary

The American Society of Magical Negroes is a satirical fantasy-comedy film that explores the uncomfortable necessity of calming nervous white people. The film starts off strong with humor and satire, but the romance subplot overshadows the main concept it aims to critique. Despite its flaws, the film provides important insight into the experience of suppressing parts of oneself to make others comfortable.

The term “magical negro” was coined as an American cinema trope then popularized by filmmaker Spike Lee in 2001. The phrase describes a Black side character whose entire existence is to serve and support the white protagonist in his or her journey. The “magical power” in question isn’t necessarily literal, as it relates to a Black characteristic or personality trait that directly impacts the white character’s decision and/or growth. I explain all this to emphasize the importance of understanding the phrase before heading to see Kobi Libii’s The American Society of Magical Negroes in March.

The American Society of Magical Negroes is a satirical fantasy-comedy film by writer-director Kobi Libii. Aren, a young man, discovers he has magical abilities when invited into a secret society of Black people with magic dedicated to making white people comfortable. ProsThe film has an intriguing and important concept and lesson Justice Smith and An-Li Bogan have excellent chemistry ConsThe film’s rom-com subplot derails and softens the mesage There is very little worldbuilding The film is all bark with very little bite

Libii’s Feature Is Equally Intriguing & Important

Justice Smith stars as Aren, a lonely, apologetic yarn sculptor and the latest recruit to a Black secret society dedicated to making the lives of white people easier. Why? Well, it’s a survival tactic, of course. An early example of this is when Roger (David Alan Grier), a long-time accomplished society member, saves Aren from a violent interaction with two white men over a misunderstanding. After passing the initiation, Aren is tasked with his first assignment: To help Jason (Drew Tarver) with his tech job. The only problem is his crush on coworker Lizzie (An-Li Bogan) is forbidden.

At the core of this story is the uncomfortable necessity of calming nervous white people. It’s an action many of us either intentionally did or never knew we subconsciously and habitually performed, even decades after segregation became illegal. Perhaps more interestingly, those on the receiving end might be unaware altogether. That’s why Libii’s feature directorial debut is an equally intriguing and important film that should be watched by whoever can. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the film is mostly bark and little bite, as the romance subplot overshadows the very concept it aims to critique.

American Society Lacks The Worldbuilding To Lure Audiences In

When we first discover a relationship between Aren and Lizzie directly impacts Aren’s ability to assist Jason, the watching experience becomes quite tedious. All the excitement built from exploring this magical society is quickly cut off to pursue a love story. Indeed, Libii’s debut starts off strong, playing into the humor that inherently comes with Black people catering to white people’s every move. During these moments, it’s grade-A comedy, mocking examples like Driving Miss Daisy and The Green Mile. But that’s all we get when diving deep into these magical elements and references, which is disappointing to say the least.

2:28 Related The American Society Of Magical Negroes Star Defends Screenplay Amid Passionate Audience Response The American Society Of Magical Negroes star David Alan Grier explains why he admires the movie’s screenplay while at Sundance Film Festival.

With impressively little worldbuilding, it was difficult to remember the story’s point. As with most satires, American Society takes care of that by leaning into extremes to make a point. There’s a saying that people are tired of talking about race. But until we, as a society, can admit that race plays such a crucial part in our healthcare, education and more, these conversations need to continue. Will American Society help us with these conversations? Probably not. But despite all its problems, it still gives important insight into how it feels to suppress parts of yourself to make others comfortable.

Despite Overshadowing The Plot, The Romance Could Work In Its Own Movie

If not for Smith and Bogan’s sweet chemistry, I’d be willing to write the entire film off as it tends to overshadow the topic at hand. It does work in isolation and would be a good movie on its own, but it doesn’t belong in this specific satire. After all, when it’s time to assert bold claims with backing examples, the film falters at nearly every turn. Even Aren’s emotional final monologue feels like a cop-out, especially after having sat through an hour of a rom-com. The moment came a little too late and cheapened the impact it deserved.

Despite all its problems, it still gives important insight into how it feels to suppress parts of yourself to make others comfortable.

Perhaps it’s Libii’s way of stressing the importance of finally standing up for yourself despite the discomfort of others. Maybe it’s a recommendation to assert yourself as the main character without having to tone down who you are in fear of someone reacting aggressively or violently. Perhaps Libii intentionally changed the direction of the story to remind us that this isn’t our story to tell. It’s his. But whatever the intent, the execution isn’t all the way there, and that’s the biggest disappointment of all.

The American Society of Magical Negroes The American Society of Magical Negroes is a satirical fantasy-comedy film by writer-director Kobi Libii. Aren, a young man, discovers he has magical abilities when invited into a secret society of Black people with magic dedicated to making white people comfortable. 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