This will be a tough one to review. To really get the full grasp of Sorry to Bother You, I would have to give away lots of the twists that make the movie what it is. In the vein of the movie, this review will be a little jumpy and disjointed. That’s both somewhat intentional and somewhat based on how hard this movie is to talk about without spoiling anything.
The basic plot follows African-American telemarketer Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanford) as he discovers that the use of his “white voice” exponentially increases his sales abilities. His newfound success in corporate America begins to alienate him from his fiancée Detroit (Tessa Thompson), friends, and co-workers.
While everything written there is true, it barely scratches the surface of what this movie is about. It’s a unique look at capitalism, corporate culture taking over America, racism, classism, virtually any major issue facing our country today. And that’s where I give this movie most of its credit. It is completely unlike any movie I have seen before. Going into it, whatever you think it is, it isn’t. And during the movie, whatever you think the movie is and where it will go next, you’re wrong. And while I thought it went too far with some of this, I have to respect director Boots Riley fully going for it. You can’t say he wasn’t all-in here.
In addition to its originality, the acting performances are great across the board. While I didn’t like each and every character, they were all incredibly well acted. Armie Hammer in particular stood out above the rest. I can’t much more about his role other than that he’s the CEO of a huge corporation, WorryFree. Hammer should have locked up a Best Supporting Actor nomination with this role. Halfway through the year he is easily my front-runner for the award. It would be akin to a crime if he doesn’t at least get the nomination.
Sorry to Bother You is one of those unique movies where it could your favorite movie of the year and your best friend’s least favorite movie of the year. What you love about the movie could be exactly what they hate about it. I know I’ve said it a couple times already, but it’s just such an original concept. It’s worth seeing for that reason alone (and again, Armie Hammer). See it with friends versus going alone. If nothing else, it should at least spark some fun, interesting, real conversations.
Movie: Sorry to Bother You
Starring: Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermain Fowler, Omari Hardwick, Steven Yeun, Armie Hammer
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: R for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use
My rating: 82/100
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