Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah

Bill O'Neal infiltrates the Black Panthers on the orders of FBI Agent Mitchell and J. Edgar Hoover. As Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton ascends—falling for a fellow revolutionary en route—a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul.

  • Released: 2021-02-12
  • Runtime: 126 minutes
  • Genre: Drama, History
  • Stars: Lakeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Lil Rel Howery, Dominique Thorne, Martin Sheen, Amari Cheatom, Ian Duff, Caleb Eberhardt, Robert Longstreet, Nick Fink, Nicholas Velez, Terayle Hill, Graham Lutes, Khris Davis, Amber Chardae Robinson, Ikechukwu Ufomadu, James Udom, Jermaine Fowler, Chris Hahn, Raymond Seay, Linda D Gaines
  • Director: Shaka King
 Comments
  • judealexharnett - 5 March 2024
    Might be a bit shallow but I still dig it
    I really love these types of movies in which case I mean biopics about black people in America. Even after all of them it still amazes me how crazy stupid the American people are. I really loved the script, I felt it was really well written even though others might disagree.

    But honestly the reason I feel I can give this movie so high is because of its performances. After every movie lakeith stanfield slowly becomes one of my favourite actors ever, one of his best performances here. But all spotlight is stolen by Daniel kaluuya, an absolutely phenomenal preformamce. It was really strong and emotional, that really touched the soul. 9.2/10.
  • steiner-sam - 16 March 2023
    Powerful film; ambiguous portrayal of Bill O'Neal
    It's a biopic set in Chicago, Illinois, from 1968-1969. It follows the work of an FBI informant that culminates in the murder of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton by the Chicago Police.

    Bill O'Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) is a car thief who poses as an FBI agent. He's caught but recruited as an informant by FBI Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Mitchell asks O'Neal to join the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party to provide intel on Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), the leader of the Chicago Black Panthers and overall Deputy Chairman of the movement.

    "Judas..." follows the growing, sometimes tentative, relationship between O'Neal and Hampton and the complex relationship between O'Neal and Mitchell. In addition, we see the romantic relationship between Hampton and Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). One of the odder characters in the film is J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen), who orchestrates the final plot against Hampton.

    "Judas and the Black Messiah" is a powerful film. The story is well told. The main characters all give good performances, and the musical score works. But, unfortunately, Daniel Kaluuya looked too old for a 20-year-old Hampton, as did Stanfield for a 19-year-old O'Neal.

    Like all biopics, "Judas..." presents some things as truth that cannot be verified. The story is told mainly from the perspective of Bill O'Neal and portrays him as conflicted about his informer role, ending in his suicide in 1990. However, it's not clear he was that conflicted. The FBI under Hoover is depicted as the villain, which is appropriate for the late 1960s. Many of the conversations in the film have to be creations since the principals are long deceased.
  • Brendobrien - 3 October 2022
    Going to get the habit of reviewing more
    Real quick staccato reviews. The acting was solid. Bill had a way of making you feel uncomfortable watching him fidget around. The story telling was alright. Fred hampton did not seem like he was 21 thats wild. Great credits track from H. E. R. Loved the cinematic shots involving Bill's car. All the white people in this movie were utterly deplorable. The power to the people speak was great. Lots of Huey Newton shot outs. All in all not my type of movie per say, but still kept my attention. Was a surprisly small little snapshot of a big movement that highlighted one man's character and courage and one man's conflicted judas like betrayal/suffering/etc

    Real quick staccato reviews. The acting was solid. Bill had a way of making you feel uncomfortable watching him fidget around. The story telling was alright. Fred hampton did not seem like he was 21 thats wild. Great credits track from H. E. R. Loved the cinematic shots involving Bill's car. All the white people in this movie were utterly deplorable. The power to the people speak was great. Lots of Huey Newton shot outs.
  • UniqueParticle - 5 April 2022
    Amazing film
    Daniel Kaluyah definitely deserved the Oscar win his performance was breathtaking! Me and my mom having been to watch this had several distractions on otherwise absolutely loved Judas and the Black Mess it's so well made. I didn't realize how effed up some of it was gonna be though. It's a huge shame the cop violence still occurs, the panthers should be more supported! An important story in cinema that is bold, captivating and unfortunate at times.

    It's so well written throughout and every single actor is crystal smooth/genuinely perfect! There could be loads of opinions/ facts I hope get out there I might even put some on my blog which is Lookathetrees.com. Such an impactful story that is captivating revolutionary and yet fair for both sides. Highly recommend to most anyone!
  • guskeller - 6 January 2022
    Transformative
    Judas and the Black Messiah is an important film. It's well-made and entertaining, but far more significantly, it's informative. Judas and the Black Messiah covers the story of Fred Hampton and his impact on the political climate of the 1960s. It also focuses on his close friends and how they were personally affected by his rise. Because this narrative is so fundamental, relevant, and untold today, it's a must-see for its sheer insight. Plus, Daniel Kaluuya is absolutely electric in his portrayal of Hampton. Kaluuya is so natural yet irresistibly dynamic, giving Judas and the Black Messiah an extra must-see ingredient.

    Around Kaluuya and the plot, Judas and the Black Messiah is fortified by a strong supporting cast and skilled filmmaking. Sound is used to evoke emotion, and the editing creates a potent bookend. The cinematography uses dark colors, specific focus, and slick framing to produce a moody atmosphere. The music heightens the era, culture, and tension. The production design is elaborate and immersive. Lastly, the direction is sure-handed, capturing a complex tone of rebellion, empowerment, and grief. Overall, Judas and the Black Messiah is a well-rounded film that is transformed by its necessary message and stirring lead performance.

    Writing: 10/10 Direction: 9/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Acting: 10/10 Editing: 8/10 Sound: 8/10 Score/Soundtrack: 9/10 Production Design: 9/10 Casting: 8/10 Effects: 7/10

    Overall Score: 8.6/10.