Daniel Kaluuya is the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah was released on HBO Max this February but was taken off the site on March 14. Although the Warner Bros confirmed that there was a 31-day release deal with HBO Max, this is a film that should extend the window. The film’s embodiment of a true story and starring actor Daniel Kaluuya gained the attention of many fans.

Fred Hampton, played by Daniel Kaluuya is the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in Chicago during the late 1960s. Fred becomes a main target of the FBI and as a result, they want him dead. In order to complete this mission, the FBI hires William O’ Neal, played by Lakeith Stanfield. William is assigned to join the Black Panther Party and take down Fred. The FBI tells him that if he keeps giving them insight about what is occurring inside the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, they will return the favor by having his previous charges dropped. With William working undercover for the bureau, the FBI believes that every day they are one step closer to taking down Fred and the Black Panther Party.

Judas and the Black Messiah was categorized as a biographical drama film. The overall tone of the movie is mysterious and it makes the audience anxious of what is going to happen next since there is always a fear of William getting caught. The tone sets the theme that sometimes people can’t trust one another. In the African American community, it is expected that everyone sticks together. However, some people are willing to turn their back on their own people to save themselves.

This movie was interesting, especially since it was based on a true story. It is also informative to those who have never heard of the story of Fred Hampton. After I saw the movie, I found myself researching information to learn more about Fred Hampton and his impact on the Black Panther Party.

Actors Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield executed their roles well. Both actors kept a tone that matched the plot accurately and helped the audience understand what was and still is occurring in the African American community. Overall, the mystery and fear made the movie more interesting. Everything in the movie blended perfectly to make an incredible cinematic piece.