Review of Sorry to Bother You (2018) by Douglas C — 17 Aug 2018

Writer/Director/Rapper Boots Riley's directorial debut serves to highlight the best that the artist has to offer while also simultaneously giving in to his worst indulgences. Initially framed as a story about a young black man rising through the ranks of a telemarketing company that seemingly controls all aspects of a dystopian society, "Sorry to Bother You" begs the question: how far is too far? The first two acts are brimming with novel ideas and execution aplenty.

However, the third act, which distracted me quite a bit in the worst way seems to come narratively out of nowhere. Without spoiling too much here it has to do with mutant human/horse hybrids. At the onset of that, I was as thoroughly confused as it sounds.

Up and coming star Lakeith Stanfield ("Atlanta", "Short Term 12") really tries to keep the production from going completely off the rails and, unfortunately, he only barely succeeds.

Despite the nonsensically sharp plot detour, welcome cast additions like a really maniacally unhinged Armie Hammer ("The Social Network", "Lone Ranger") and Tessa Thompson (Marvel's "Thor: Ragnarok") are energetic enough to keep things moving.

Riley doesn't entirely miss the mark as he always has social satire in mind throughout this sprawling, mind-bending journey. He does successfully comment on race and class and his alternate reality version of Oakland is a novel enough world that seems exceedingly close to our own.

Definitely go see the film but tread with caution.