"Judas and the Black Messiah" Review - You Say You Want A Revolutionary?

We are approaching the unusually COVID timed final weeks of Oscar submissions and there are surely films to come swooping in for consideration at the last minute. But never did I think something would top my predicted best winner choice, previously Ma Rainey. Judas and the Black Messiah is going to be hard to beat now, and I think only Nomadland, coming out next week, will have a shot. Not by much though.

Judas tells the story of Fred Hampton, played by the insanely talented Daniel Kaluuya, and how he shaped a chapter of the Black Panther party in Chicago to create a higher and different kind of good in a still much more racism filled country. This all while another man played by the break out Lakeith Stanfield goes undercover to gain intel about the group for the FBI. The story is not one highly promoted, but after you learn about it, you feel inspired, scarred, and angry about the history that was buried into the ground, especially considering what the FBI and police did to these people in this part of history doesn’t even qualify as bad cop behavior; its mafia like behavior.

Of course, any kind of story like this is bound to get Oscar buzz. It’s the perfect Oscar bait type of film as it has been done over and over again. But what makes this cinematic work beyond unbelievable is it’s platinum level directing and writing by Shaka King. It’s a rare high praise to give, but the cinematography and direction given on this movie is in someways Citizen Kane like. There are moments that are bone chilling as they are conducted in a way that I don’t think any film as conducted before. I don’t want to spoil much, but let’s just say the writing in itself is genius, but how it’s made is what really counts. King makes it count every minute, every second, every scene in a way that all around will shock and horrify you in an all around satisfying fashion.

Judas is a civil rights movie for the ages, and it rightfully deserves so. It’s an Oscar bait film that earns your respect by going in al the right directions and taking risky ways less traveled along the ride. It’s an all star craft that is plain and simple; a must see for every person demanding change.

Two Nebs Up!