Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) Movie Review
I was excited to see Judas and the Black Messiah because I had never seen a film depicting Fred Hampton’s life. If you saw The Trial of the Chicago 7 this year, you’ll remember the passing mention of Hampton being killed. This movie depicts exactly what happened.
The opening scene doesn’t feature Hampton, but Bill O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield), a young man who is posing as an FBI agent in order to steal cars. He gets nabbed by the cops and is interviewed by FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Facing five years in prison, O’Neal accepts Mitchell’s offer to infiltrate the Black Panther Party. His job is to report anything of interest about the Black Panthers or their leader, Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya).
We see O’Neal becoming part of the group and getting to know each of the members. The most alluring of which is easily Hampton. He has a knack for speaking and inspiring others to get involved in the mission both on a large scale and on a more personal scale. His passion is contagious and you wonder if O’Neal will become inspired by Hampton instead of reporting on him. This cat and mouse game continues throughout the movie, with the stakes being raised each time. O’Neal is playing a dangerous game and you wonder how long he can last before someone discovers him.
As the popularity and influence of the Black Panthers grows, the group gets more intense. O’Neal gets promoted to head of security and becomes even closer with Fred. Outside threats become bigger and some key members of the party begin to get picked off. Instead of being scared, Hampton becomes more fervent in his actions to fight for equality.
There is a side story romance between Fred Hampton and Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). They bond over poetry and Johnson comes to work for the party, largely in part because of Hampton’s passion. This relationship doesn’t feel as developed as it could have been. I felt that Fishback’s talents were slightly wasted and wanted there to be more for her to work with. But then again, that’s not the focus of the movie. O’Neal and Hampton are the main story here and most of the movie revolves around them.
One thing director Shaka King gets absolutely right is the ending we all know, but don’t want to be true. The murder of Hampton was gruesome and horrible and King doesn’t hold back on depicting the raw carnage that was inflicted on him and those at the house. You get a very real sense of the injustice of it all and the horrors those who bore witness to his murder have had to live with. The shot of Johnson’s face as they commit the heinous act will resonate with you long after the movie has concluded.
Admittedly, there are some moments I wish had been fleshed out a bit better: the relationship between Hampton and Johnson, the political negotiations Hampton had to undergo to unite organizations under the Rainbow Coalition, etc. Despite these moments not being explored fully, Judas and the Black Messiah still works so well largely because of the acting. Kaluuya is sensational, delivering Hampton’s impassioned speeches with an intensity and zeal that evokes Hampton’s unique, fiery delivery. Trust me, you’ll be inspired by his speeches while sitting on your couch.
Stanfield is equally as impressive as O’Neal, with his shifty eyes and impish face. He does an excellent job of walking the line between fitting in with the Panthers and looking out for himself. I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more about the effects of playing this rather dangerous role on O’Neal’s mental state. Aside from one nightmare sequence we don’t really see that side of the story all that much. But with a man as big as Hampton, I understand the dedication to giving his story priority over O’Neal.
Judas and the Black Messiah provides a window into the world of the Black Panthers and their indubitable leader Fred Hampton during the late 1960’s. Magnificent acting performances from Kaluuya, Stanfield, Fishback, and the rest of the cast make this era of history come to life. If you don’t know about Hampton, you should and this movie is an excellent introduction into what an amazing orator, political leader, and motivator he was. It begs the question of what else he might’ve been able to accomplish had he not been murdered.
Film or Movie: Film
You’ll like this film if:
1. You’re interested in Fred Hampton’s life
2. You want to learn more about the Black Panther Party
3. You are an activist
