Judas and the Black Messiah is one of those movies that makes you saw wow once the credits start rolling. It is such a powerful ride and one of the most exciting and best biopics I have seen in quite some time. It is bound to win a ton of awards during 2021 and it is amazing that it is director Shaka King’s first big movie.
How to Stream or Download Judas and the Black Messiah
To stream or to download the movie, click on the Download button located below this review, If you like biographical movies, check out also out reviews of First Man, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Mule, Sully, or The Greatest Showman.
The Movie Review
The movie is about Fred Hampton. Fred Hampton was the head of the Black Panther’s Illinois chapter during the late 70s. He is played by Daniel Kaluuya who delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. He is just so captivating to watch that you cannot take our eyes off him when he is on screen.
One aspect of the movie I want to touch on here is the personal relationship between Fred and his girlfriend Deborah. This really does make you see him as a “real person” and it is one of the best aspects of the movie I feel is not talked about enough. The way they are together on screen is great.
The real meat and potatoes of the story of Judas and the Black Messiah is about how the FBI sees Fred Hampton as a major risk. Bill O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) is arrested for trying to steal a car while posing as an officer. Bill is facing some serious jail time, until the FBI steps in and offers him a deal.
The deal is very risky. He is told to go undercover in the Black Panthers and basically cause havoc and sow seeds of unrest and try to bring them and especially Fred down from the inside. The man who works with him is the FBI agent, Roy Mitchell who is played by the always awesome, Jesse Plemons.
Jesse Plemons and Lakeith Stanfield are awesome together. It can be quite uncomfortable to watch the scenes where Mitchell is really on Bill’s case. If you know the story of Fred Hampton, then you know the tragic end to this movie. However, even knowing the end, it is a movie that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The movie moves at a brisk pace and I think that some biopics tend to be too slow, but that is not the case here. I have heard that the movie is not exactly 100 percent accurate, but I do feel it deserves a pass. It tells the basics of the story very well and I can see many people becoming interested in the life of Fred Hampton as a result of this movie.
Another thing that I need to mention is the way the movie is shot and edited. It is done incredibly well and the whole aesthetic of the movie captures the time period very well. I said before, but this is one movie that is going to win a ton of awards when awards season starts that is for sure.
I think that Judas and the Black Messiah is sure to be regarded as one of the best movies of 2021. No matter if you know nothing about Fred Hampton or even if you do, this is a great movie. It is one of those movies that once you watch it, you hope one of your buddies has too so you have someone to talk to about it.
