SORRY TO BOTHER YOU: SXSW MOVIE REVIEW

Musician Boots Riley makes his directorial debut with “Sorry To Bother You”, which might just be the most ambitious film of the century. The film stars Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out) as a telemarketer who is advised by a co-worker to use his “white voice” (a hilarious voice-over from comedian David Cross), where he soon finds success and fame, despite not even knowing what it is he’s selling. 

This high-concept premise is utilized to the fullest extent, creating a surreal mix of clever social commentary with surreal absurdism. I could list off a plethora of films Sorry To Bother You draws inspiration from (Brazil, Office Space, the filmographies of both Spike Lee and Charlie Kauffman), yet there’s nothing truly like it. Co-starring are Tessa Thompson (Thor Ragnarok) and Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name), the latter of which truly goes all out as the coke-head billionaire tycoon. All three are terrific alongside many of the films cameos. 

While it’s cohesive enough to follow, and care about these characters, the film takes wild turns in the plot and always manages to insert a comment or critique. These jarring shifts will definitely turn off most viewers, but the unpredictable nature and confidence that writer/director Boots Riley displays helps coax you along for the ride. Sorry to Bother You is truly one of the funniest, most subversive films I’ve seen all year, and will hopefully enter the awards conversation later this year. 

---

JORDAN FIGUEREDO

WRITER JORDAN FIGUEREDO

Jordan Figueredo is an actor and content writer specializing in film criticism and cultural commentary. He has attended various festivals including, Toronto International Film Festival and South by Southwest. Figueredo can also be seen on-stage, winning Best Supporting Actor in Plant Theater Co’s production of Squat in 2016.

---

FOLLOW CIGAR CITY MAGAZINE