Do they find the magic? (CREDIT: Focus Features)
Starring: Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan, Drew Tarver, Michaela Watkins, Aisha Hinds, Nicole Byer, Rupert Friend, Aaron Jennings, Tim Baltz
Director: Kobi Libii
Running Time: 105 Minutes
Rating: PG-13 for Inflammatory and Cathartic Comments
Release Date: March 15, 2024 (Theaters)
What’s It About?: You know those movies with Black supporting characters who seem to only exist to help the white main characters realize their full potential? The Legend of Bagger Vance is often cited as the apex example. Morgan Freeman practically made an entire career out of it. It’s called the “Magical Negro,” and what the makers of The American Society of Magical Negroes presuppose is: what if people like that actually existed, and what if they indeed had access to real magic? Their newest recruit is struggling yarn sculpture artist Aren (Justice Smith), whose first assignment is babysitting up-and-coming tech worker Jason (Drew Tarver). Aren is certainly up for the task, as he has a lot of experience deferentially navigating privileged people’s cluelessness. But when both he and Jason develop romantic feelings for their co-worker Lizzie (An-Li Bogan), things get a little complicated.
What Made an Impression?: How to Be Supportive: When Aren is introduced to the Society, his mentor Roger (David Alan Grier) explains that the purpose of magical Negroes is making sure that white people stay calm and don’t become a danger to everyone else in the world. The implication is that everyday insecurities could eventually lead to a serial killer, so it’s best to nip that in the bud as soon as possible, although what we see in the movie is fairly low-stakes. But even when the threat of danger isn’t immediately urgent, the support that Aren, Roger, and their colleagues offer is always welcome. It mostly amounts to helping people fight against their self-doubts. In many ways, that’s just good friendship. Of course, a truly genuine friendship would consist of that support going both ways.
Bearing Too Much Weight?: While The American Society of Magical Negroes is clearly self-aware in its handling of this trope, I imagine it will be fighting an uphill battle against some viewers. Why, after all, should the burden of white fragility fall upon Black shoulders, magical though they be? That arrangement obviously isn’t fair, but it is often true to life, as the responsibility of cleaning up a mess frequently gets passed to those with the expertise of cleaning it up, rather than those who created the mess in the first place. But writer/director Kobi Libii doesn’t expect his characters to simply accept this state of affairs. They grapple with the dignity that they’re forced to give up, while also wondering if their methods really are the most effective option.
Finding an Alternate Solution: Ultimately, it quickly becomes abundantly clear that simply making Jason feel better is not Aren’s best course of action. But explicitly calling him out on his prejudices is liable to backfire. Furthermore, while Roger advises Aren to let the girl go, it’s clear that Lizzie is a lot more into Aren than she is Jason. Supporting Jason’s stated desires in favor of everyone’s else’s feels like it won’t make anyone happy, including Jason. Escaping the common strictures of society and thriving as a nourished individual clearly requires some creative thinking, whether or not you have access to superpowers. As for my verdict, I’m pleased to report that The American Society of Magical Negroes navigates that dilemma with a firm, but also playful touch.
The American Society of Magical Negroes is Recommended If You Like: American Fiction, Grand Crew, Turning the other cheek with a witty rejoinder
Grade: 4 out of 5 Teleportations
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