The American Society of Magical Negroes – Film Review
by Brian Merriman

Director: Kobi Libii
Writer: Kobi Libii
Stars: Justice Smith as Aren, David Alan Grier as Roger, An-Li Bogan as Lizzie
Drew Tarver as Jason, Michaela Watkins as Masterson

“The Magical Negro is a trope in American cinema, television, and literature. In the cinema of the United States, the Magical Negro is a supporting stock character who comes to the aid of white protagonists in a film” –

‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ is a mixture of many genres under the comedy/ fantasy tag. Can racism be funny? If this was the first movie about racism, then it might be a useful vehicle in which conversations could start. Following on the heels of the movie ‘Origin’ and its enlightening treatment of race and caste, it falls a bit flat in its structure and intent.

It is a well-made fantasy, written and directed by first-time director Kobi Libii. He uses camp and comedy to effect and tries to reignite the child in the adult with ‘Angel’ like characters who are out to do good…but are they? The plot depends on stereotypes and it is debatable whether stereotypes resource progress on racism, despite the more gently managed presentation of the flawed characters.

The notion behind the film appears to be that racism arises as a result of ‘White discomfort’, and the obligation to fix this lies exclusively with Black People. Here, an entire race decides to subject themselves to soothing these insecurities rather than tackling them. There is a magical society with an exclusive membership of Black people, willing to put their own needs in second place to the needs of these discomforted White people. If they don’t, they are punished and excluded. It’s a garbled message at times.

The plot has a good dose of American schmaltz and saccharine, but that doesn’t soothe those who see the racism, the structure and the inequality. The persuasive elements of the argument are aided by Justice Smith who beautifully underplays the quiet, soft-spoken ‘Aren’, the newest recruit. He has an on-screen charm and is entirely plausible.

Comedian David Alan Grier takes on the ‘Miracle On 34th Street’ role as Aren’s mentor. An-Li Bogan is a seductive Lizzie who complicates Aren’s supportive task by becoming the source of his attraction. She has other admirers too.

The predictable outburst scene which winds up the plot, tackling racism and lip service diversity is inevitable. It makes some good points but also pulls essential punches that really do question the effectiveness of the core argument of the movie, albeit relying on a comedic turn.

It is entertaining in its concept, there are fun and camp moments, and the reassurance of people wanting to do good adds to the fairytale concept, but overall is this how you treat the subject matter that underscores so much of the inequality we see today? Perhaps this genre may appeal to those who have never considered the occurrence and structure of racism previously, but how many are they?