Could Cord Jefferson and Jeffrey Wright be contemporary Scorsese and De Niro? It's undeniable that there is movie magic developing between the first-time director and the esteemed "American Fiction" star.
Jefferson skillfully adapts Percival Everett's 2001 novel “Erasure” into a sharp satirical comedy. The film deftly tackles the tropes of black storytelling while delving into themes of race, pop culture, celebrity, and identity. Beyond his wry humor, with Wright delivering a likable, irascible performance, Jefferson seamlessly weaves in a dysfunctional family drama, adding emotional depth to the hilarity.
Director: Cord Jefferson
Writers: Cord Jefferson, Percival Everett
Stars: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz
He meets Thelonius “Monk” Ellison, a cantankerous California academic who exasperates students and colleagues alike. A down-on-his-luck writer, Monk's literature ends up in the African American Studies section of bookstores, despite his protests that "The blackest thing about it is the ink."
Monk's frustration grows when his agent (John Ortiz) insists on a "black" tome, and he attends a Boston book festival where celebrated writer Sintara Golden (Issa Rae) is presenting a best-selling novel riddled with black stereotypes titled "We's Lives in the Da Ghetto.”
Driven into chaos, Monk jokingly writes a book under the pseudonym "Stagg R. Leigh," full of deadbeat dads, rappers, crack cocaine, and other "black stuff." Much to the chagrin of his agent, a publisher loves it, causing a stir in the literary world. However, Monk faces a dilemma when he must promote the work of a "wanted fugitive."
At the same time, Monk's sister Lisa (Tracee Ellis Ross) informs him that his mother Agnes (Leslie Uggams) is showing signs of dementia. Monk takes on a larger role by helping his scattered family and reconnecting with his estranged gay brother Cliff (Sterling K. Brown). Monk finds a confidant in neighbor Coraline (Erika Alexander), and her budding romance is threatened by Monk's literary farce and growing ego.
Jeffrey Wright, a regular character in films like “The Batman,” “The French Dispatch,” and this year’s “Asteroid City” and “Rustin,” consistently elevates every film he’s in. Wright, an Emmy and Tony winner, brings intelligence and sarcasm to Monk. wit, underlying vulnerability and a well-intentioned soul. While Monk could be unlikable in less capable hands, Wright infuses the character with complexity. Rae and Brown give standout performances, playing Wright as Monk's professional and personal foils.
The brilliant dialogue and interactions, ranging from funny to biting and always thoughtful, are the work of Cord Jefferson. “Fiction” marks the former television screenwriter (“The Good Place,” “Watchmen”) as a new cinematic voice to follow. Jefferson deftly balances Monk's faux novel escapades, including a clever scene in which the writer interacts with the characters in his book and family conflicts. His social commentary is insightful, satirizing various people and situations while making points about the typecasting of black artists and the importance of individuality. The plot takes a wild turn in the final act, taking on a more meta nature, but Jefferson brings it home with a perfect final gesture.
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