The plight of the Black creative isn’t for the weak. On one hand, there’s an intent to make something real and representative of who they are. On the other hand? There are bills to pay, and being true to yourself rarely brings in the cash to cover them that more entertaining, albeit less dignified, works do. While it’s something all artists feel to some extent, the load is so much heavier for Black ones because they often carry the weight of our people on their pens, mics, etc.
American Fiction brings this ever-present conflict to the screen. Fiction tells the story of Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, a writer-professor who uses a pseudonym to jokingly write the most trope-filled, offensive book possible as a middle finger to an industry that thrives on negative Black imagery. However, his plan goes awry when the book receives the acclaim and success he’d long sought, forcing him to live up to everything he’s stood against.
Many films, shows, etc., have addressed and currently hit on life as a Black creative, but where does Fiction land in that space? It tells like it is better than anyone has ever told it.
The immediate thing that jumps out from Fiction is its incredible cast led by Jeffrey Wright. Afforded the rare (although slightly more frequent to date) opportunity to lead a movie, Wright runs with it by portraying Monk with the effortless ambidexterity that has been his trademark in film for 30+ years.
The difference here is that it’s all in one part instead of scattered across several films. It’s not a flashy turn but more an earnest display of range that frankly mirrors a reality that many will recognize all too well. Among the many stellar performances Wright has given us, this is easily his best and definitely a top 3 performance of 2023.
Yet, the buck doesn’t stop with Wright as Sterling K. Brown and Tracee Ellis Ross impress in their own right. Brown and Ross have incredible chemistry with Wright as Monk’s siblings and deliver award-worthy supporting performances that are hilarious and touching.
The acting is nothing short of A-1, but the real star of Fiction is writer-director Cord Jefferson. There’s no exaggeration when saying he made a masterpiece. The premise promises satire, and Jefferson’s writing delivers plenty of jokes and salient points about the commercialization of Black culture and pain.
Jefferson’s storytelling becomes special when he pushes beyond satire. In addition to making sorely-needed commentary through humor, Jefferson crafts a story that not only sends the message there’s more to Black life than the hood tales many have exploited – it puts that message into action.
He uses subplots throughout Fiction to illustrate other circumstances in Black life that can birth narrative alternatives to the industry’s love affair with tales of Black trauma. They’re so well-written and guided that each could be a stand-alone film and give awards contenders some stiff competition. Jefferson, like Wright, is easily in the top 3 of 2023 in his respective categories.
With films like Hollywood Shuffle, Dancing in September, and Bamboozled, Fiction is far from the first film to depict what Black creatives go through, but it should be considered the best. What separates Fiction from the pack is its messaging goes further than calling out what the industry does with Black culture. It questions all sides of the issue while providing a means of solving the problem through arguably one of the most entertaining and enlightening movie-watching experiences of the year.