The power of the people: “Judas and the Black Messiah” review

BY SASHEEN JOSEPH

“I am a revolutionary” is not only a motto but a prophecy declared by the brothers and sisters of the historic Black Panther Party (BPP). 

Debuting in theaters and on HBO Max, “Judas and the Black Messiah” is a historical, civil rights-themed drama about deputy chairman of the BPP Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) and his last days leading up to his assassination carried out by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Although the historical drama revolves around the party and their fight for justice, the movie follows the storytelling of FBI informant Bill O’Neal (Lakeigh Stanfield). 

Early in the film, the viewers witness a meeting where FBI director J. Edgar Hoover identifies Hampton as a threat to the country due to his power to liberate the people, dubbing him a “Black Messiah.” The film then cuts to O’Neal impersonating an FBI agent in order to steal a car. While in custody, FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) proposes an opportunity to O’Neal to infiltrate the BPP and act as a spy instead of facing his full sentence, essentially becoming “Judas” in this biblical allusion. 

As the historical drama continues, the audience witnesses—through O’Neal’s perspective—the power of Hampton’s spoken words, the formation of the Rainbow Coalition and the subsequent demise of the BPP due to the FBI’s exploitation of O’Neal.

Daniel Kaluuya gives an outstanding performance as he embodies Hampton and his dedication to the people.

Daniel Kaluuya gives an outstanding performance as he embodies Hampton and his dedication to the people. Hampton is depicted in the film delivering speeches, teaching BPP members, volunteering to feed hungry children and offering olive branches to other organizations such as The Crown, The Young Lords and The Young Patriots. 

Lakeigh Stanfield takes the audience on a journey from petty theft and selfishness to party devotion as he is promoted to security captain. O’Neal is constantly challenged by both the oppressors and the oppressed. Being told by agent Mitchell that, “The Panthers and the [Ku Klux] Klan are one in the same,” while also being told by Hampton that “anywhere there’s people, there’s power” causes O’Neal to become guilt-ridden, constantly pondering whether he should do what is right or what he’s told.

The movie’s cinematography immerses the audience within the ensemble. Symbolic close-ups on each character create layers of context within each scene. More words were said with their eyes than with their mouths. 

The most pivotal moment in the film is the poem Hampton’s girlfriend, Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback), writes that depicts her fear and acceptance of the life of an activist despite the inevitable gruesome ending.

More words were said with their eyes than with their mouths.

“Judas and the Black Messiah” tells a story that has been told many times in film both nonfiction and fiction. However, the film does what many historical documentaries fail to do: it leaves the audience with the truth. There is no happy ending, no justice served. Viewers are left to watch the assassination of 21-year-old Fred Hampton and other members of the Black Panther Party due to the FBI’s exploitation of O’Neal. Director Shaka King made sure to produce a powerful cinematic work as an homage to Fred Hampton and his prophecy: 

“I’m gonna die for the people because I live for the people. I live for the people because I love the people.”

Photo courtesy of YouTube