Judas and the Black Messiah is a 2021 American biographical crime drama directed and produced by Shaka King, who co-wrote the screenplay with Will Berson, based on a story by the pair along with Kenny and Keith Lucas. The film chronicles the betrayal of Fred Hampton (played by Daniel Kaluuya), chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in late-1960s Chicago, by FBI informant William O’Neal (played by LaKeith Stanfield). The cast also features Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Lil Rel Howery, Algee Smith, Dominique Thorne, and Martin Sheen.Development of a Fred Hampton biopic began several years prior, with the Lucas brothers and Berson writing individual screenplays since 2014. After a version directed by F. Gary Gray fell through, King took over the project. The cast joined in 2019 with the approval of Hampton’s family, and filming commenced in Ohio that fall.
Judas and the Black Messiah - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
| Movie: | Judas and the Black Messiah |
| Genre: | Biography, Drama, History |
| Language: | English |
| Director: | Shaka King |
| Main Cast: | Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Lil Rel Howery, Algee Smith, Martin Sheen |
| Release Date: | 5 March 2021 |
| Banner: | MACRO, Participant, Bron Creative, Proximity |
| Music: | Mark Isham, Craig Harris |
| Budget: | Not available |
| Runtime: | 2h 6m |
The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on February 1, 2021, and was released in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on February 12, simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. Despite being released during the COVID-19 pandemic and grossing $7 million worldwide against a $26 million budget, the film received critical acclaim. Critics praised King’s direction, cinematography, screenplay, and performances—especially those of Kaluuya, Stanfield, and Fishback—while also highlighting its relevant themes. Judas and the Black Messiah earned six Oscar nominations at the 93rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor nominations for both Kaluuya and Stanfield, with Kaluuya winning the award. The film also received recognition for Best Original Song (“Fight for You”). Kaluuya’s performance garnered him awards at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and BAFTA Awards. Since its release, it has been recognized as one of the best films of the 2020s and the 21st century.
Judas and the Black Messiah Movie Screenshot
Judas and the Black Messiah Movie Story
In 1968, 19-year-old William O’Neal is arrested in Chicago for attempting to steal a car while impersonating a federal officer. FBI Special Agent Roy Mitchell offers to drop O’Neal’s charges if he agrees to infiltrate the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP) and spy on its leader, Fred Hampton. As O’Neal becomes closer to Hampton, he witnesses Hampton’s efforts to build alliances with rival gangs and promote community programs like the Free Breakfast for Children. Hampton also falls in love with fellow BPP member Deborah Johnson. O’Neal begins relaying information to Mitchell, receiving payment in return.
After Hampton is briefly imprisoned, O’Neal rises in the ranks to become security captain. Following a violent confrontation between the police and the BPP, O’Neal tries to quit being an informant but is threatened with his original charges by Mitchell.When Hampton is released, he reunites with a pregnant Deborah, but the tension escalates after the suspicious death of BPP member Jimmy Palmer, leading to retaliatory violence. Under orders from FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, Mitchell coerces O’Neal to assist in a plan to “neutralize” Hampton. O’Neal is given sedatives to drug Hampton’s drink.
On the night of the raid, O’Neal reluctantly drugs Hampton, who is later assassinated by police during a raid on his apartment, while Deborah is arrested. Afterward, O’Neal receives money and a gas station from Mitchell but struggles with his conscience.The film concludes with archival footage of Hampton and an interview with O’Neal, revealing that he continued working as an informant until his suicide in 1990. A lawsuit against the FBI resulted in a settlement, and as of the film’s release, Fred Hampton Jr. and his mother hold leadership roles in the Black Panther Party Cubs.
Judas and the Black Messiah Movie Review
The film is set in the late 1960s and explores themes of racial injustice, activism, and betrayal. It highlights Hampton’s charisma and his efforts to unite marginalized communities, showcasing his visionary leadership and the profound impact he had on the fight for civil rights. Kaluuya’s portrayal of Hampton is both passionate and poignant, reflecting the urgency of the movement and the threats it faced.
On the other hand, Stanfield’s O’Neal is portrayed as a deeply conflicted character, torn between his loyalty to the Panthers and the pressures from law enforcement. The film does an excellent job of illustrating the moral dilemmas he faces, making him a compelling figure rather than a one-dimensional villain. The cinematography and production design effectively transport viewers to the era, immersing them in the historical context. The film’s pacing builds tension as it approaches the tragic climax, ultimately leading to a harrowing conclusion that resonates with contemporary issues of systemic racism and police violence.
Judas and the Black Messiah Movie Trailer
FAQ About Judas and the Black Messiah Movie
Q1 – Who Directed Judas and the Black Messiah Movie?
A -Shaka King
Q2-What Genre Is Judas and the Black Messiah Movie?
A-Drama, History
Q3-Lead Cast of Judas and the Black Messiah Movie?
A-Daniel Kaluuya
Q4- Rating Of Judas and the Black Messiah Movie?
A-13+