Judas and the Black Messiah
...And This is What it Feels Like
By: Reggie Agossa, Intern Writer
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"I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died" wasn’t just random lyrics, it’s one of the greatest rappers of all time paying homage to a Black icon whose legacy should have long been taught in the history books. At last we have, “Judas and the Black Messiah,” a powerful depiction of the legendary Black Panther leader through the eyes of William O’Neal.
O’Neal, played by the award-winning Lakeith Stanfield, was used by the government to infiltrate the Illinois charter of the Black Panther Party. To me, the film is a must-watch because of the care and dedication put into making the film. Care that went into dynamic casting, modern release method, an impressive soundtrack, and the producers who developed the film. When I first saw the trailer for “Judas and the Black Messiah” I was intrigued by who was developing the film. Big prominent names in the black community like Ryan Coogler who was known for “Fruitvale Station”, “Creed” & “Creed II” and of course the record-breaking “Marvel’s Black Panther.” As well as Charles D. King who developed “Sorry to Bother You”, “Raising Dion”, “Fences” 2016, and “Just Mercy.” However, these two titans of the industry also partnered with Shakka King, the film's director, and The Lucas Brothers, two brothers known for their comedic work while their dramatic work tends to get less recognition. The collective of these minds have given us countless classic films for the black community telling unique, important stories. |
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Being that these people have created some important moments in the history of black films, their pull to work on something of this stature is huge, which resulted in a reunion of two of “Get Out” stars in Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya. With the vast number of amazing performances between the two of them ranging from television and film, you knew if these two were going to lead a film on this subject, a masterpiece was brewing. The surrounding cast around the main duo also has shined with Jesse Plemons, who in my opinion, plays some of the best villainous roles in media and Aston Sanders, who gave one of the most impactful performances that I’ve ever seen in film with his role in “Moonlight”. The cast list just goes on, with actors that exude black excellence.
When the film was in its early conceptions the Lucas Brothers were shopping it like a Fred Hampton biopic, with a possible release through Netflix and A24. While working with King on a project in 2016, the duo pitched him their idea which led him to script “Judas and the Black Messiah” and eventually direct as his second film.
In 2019 when the film was announced with Warner Brothers Pictures, we were in a time when audiences could go to theaters, where this film would have easily been released later in the year with hopes of Academy Award contention. However, in a post-2020 landscape, Warner Brothers decided to put faith in their streaming service HBO Max and released the film along with 15 others on the app providing a waiting audience with not only this highly anticipated project but a slew of diverse, captivating theatrical experiences. The film was released on February 12, 2021 in black history month, which also is right before the 28th - the cutoff for Oscar nominations.
When the film was in its early conceptions the Lucas Brothers were shopping it like a Fred Hampton biopic, with a possible release through Netflix and A24. While working with King on a project in 2016, the duo pitched him their idea which led him to script “Judas and the Black Messiah” and eventually direct as his second film.
In 2019 when the film was announced with Warner Brothers Pictures, we were in a time when audiences could go to theaters, where this film would have easily been released later in the year with hopes of Academy Award contention. However, in a post-2020 landscape, Warner Brothers decided to put faith in their streaming service HBO Max and released the film along with 15 others on the app providing a waiting audience with not only this highly anticipated project but a slew of diverse, captivating theatrical experiences. The film was released on February 12, 2021 in black history month, which also is right before the 28th - the cutoff for Oscar nominations.
Perhaps what I find most interesting about the film is the inspiration behind the soundtrack. “Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album” which boasts an all-star roster of grammy nominated and winning artists such as JAY-Z, H.E.R, Black Thought, Nipsey Hussle, Hit-Boy, Nas, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. [son of Fred Hampton]. Similar to Coogler’s work “Black Panther” (Executive Producer, Kendrick Lamar ) and “Creed II” (Executive Producer, Mike WiLL Made-It) Hit-Boy was chosen to formulate an album that would encapsulate the essence of this quintessential film. “What it Feels Like” the fifth song on the album features vocals from the late Nipsey Hussle rapping with JAY-Z, a man who is known for saying that he arrived on the day that Fred Hampton died, as if to say he’s filling the void created by the late black icon.
All of the makings of the film set it up to be a must-watch for anyone who doesn’t know the story of Hampton. The care that is given to the film has the trajectory to be a staple piece in the history of black filmmaking. As an outsider who didn’t know the story until late, there is something that is empowering even writing these words because I know how influential this film could have been if I had seen it when I was younger. It's important for us to tell our own stories without edited perceptions of our history.
All of the makings of the film set it up to be a must-watch for anyone who doesn’t know the story of Hampton. The care that is given to the film has the trajectory to be a staple piece in the history of black filmmaking. As an outsider who didn’t know the story until late, there is something that is empowering even writing these words because I know how influential this film could have been if I had seen it when I was younger. It's important for us to tell our own stories without edited perceptions of our history.
