Daniel Kaluuya Commands the Screen in Judas and the Black Messiah

Daniel Kaluuya, who plays Black activist Fred Hampton, is the star of this unconventional film. He’s riveting on screen, both while delivering powerful speeches and philosophizing. Kaluuya is all but guaranteed an acting nomination at the Academy Awards. “Judas and the Black Messiah” also stands a better-than-even chance of earning a Best Picture nomination.

Directed and co-written by Shaka King, “Judas” tells the true story of how William “Bill” O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) was strong-armed into becoming an FBI informant and tasked with infiltrating the Black Panthers. O’Neal was specifically there to keep tabs on Hampton, a charismatic leader who was working to form a multicultural movement. O’Neal would later play a pivotal role in Hampton’s assassination by the Chicago Police. 

The film is razor-sharp and unusually complex. It rightly villainizes the FBI and Chicago Police department. At the same time, “Judas” doesn't shy away from Hampton’s incendiary rhetoric — neither does it turn a blind eye to how his devotion to the movement impacts others, for both good and ill. 

Though superbly acted and directed, the decision to center the movie on O’Neal instead of Hampton was a misstep. I admit that I didn’t know who Hampton was before watching “Judas” and I wish I would have gotten to know him, instead of O’Neal. It’s unfortunate, but a lot of viewers will approach “Judas” with the same lack of knowledge that I had. On the bright side, this film has the potential to spark viewers' interest in Hampton’s life and message.

To set expectations, “Judas” is not a biopic. It covers only a few short years in O’Neal and Hampton’s lives. The film doesn’t explore O'Neal or Hampton’s upbringing or backgrounds. That being said, both Hampton and O’Neal were young men during the events of the film. O’Neal was 17 years old when he was recruited by the FBI. Hampton was 21 years old when he was murdered. The decision to askew the traditional biopic format may have been a practicality.

The film’s weakest aspect is its depiction of J. Edgar Hoover. Martin Sheen, in gallons of pancake makeup, plays the FBI director as a mustache-twirling villain. It’s an odd acting choice in a film loaded with strong performances. 

I highly recommend “Judas.” It’s a powerful and relevant film, particularly in the wake of this past summer’s Black Lives Matter protests. Beyond its cultural ramifications, “Judas” is a bonanza of talent. Yes, Kaluuya and Stanfield performances are strong, but so is Dominique Fishback as Deborah Johnson, Hampton’s girlfriend. 

“Judas and the Black Messiah” is revolutionary. - David (@itsmedavidcross)