Judas and the Black Messiah

 

      This new drama written (with Will Berson) and directed by Shaka King, is based on the true story of Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panthers Party in the late 1960's. It stars Daniel Kaluuya as Hampton and LaKeith Stanfield as Bill O'Neill, forced by the FBI to become an inside informer and ultimately betray Mr. Hampton.

      Mr. Hampton was a powerful, charismatic leader thoroughly committed to "power of the people" to lead a revolution in America. Mr. Kaluuya, while older than the actual Hampton was at the time, is no less charismatic and powerful in the role.  The film's focus is primarily on the rise of the Party and Mr. Hampton, but it is Mr. Stanfield who is mesmerizing as the conflicted O'Neill that makes for the more interesting character.

      A petty thief with no interest in politics, O'Neill is arrested for car theft and impersonating an FBI agent. Facing a long jail sentence, he agrees instead, to "join" the Panthers and become an informer for the FBI. Jesse Plemons, in his usual understated performance, plays Roy Mitchell, the agent that "runs" Mitchell. He fills his head telling him the Panthers are no better than the Klan, buys him expensive dinners and pays well for his information. At first, O'Neill enjoys the role but as his position in the Panther Party grows, things become more dangerous and much more of a conflict as his friendship and admiration grows for Mr. Hampton.

      Martin Sheen has the small but pivotal role as J. Edgar Hoover, whose ultimate decision seals the fate of the two men. Also co-starring is Dominique Fishback as Deborah Johnson, Mr. Hampton's love interest.  Ms. Fishback continues to shine as her roles continue to grow in film and TV.

      Mr. King's direction is taut and economical. He doesn't waste a frame and the film moves at a quick pace.  The music by Mark Isham and Craig Harris is an explosive jazz score that compliments the story well but can be grating at times. 

          This is an important piece of American history and its story, brought to the screen, is made that more compelling by the work of its two lead dynamic actors.