The first movie I want to talk about on this year's list is probably the most important.
What is Boots Riley's Sorry to Bother You?
On the surface, in the directors own words, it is a 'Dark Comedy with magical realism inspired by the world of Telemarketing' ... got that? It is also so much more than that, oh so much more.
You only have to hear the cast and crew discuss it to know that something special was afoot with this one ...
The film defies description and expectations (the final act might just be worth it all alone, Terry Gilliam has nothing on parts of this, and that says something). It also has some smart things to say without ever feel likes it is preaching, except that it is, in all the most impactful ways.
It also has a stellar cast, all of who nail it.
Boots Riley has things to say, and he channels it into this surreal, wonderful, and eccentric story. It has all the energy of a creative work that everyone involved believes in. It does unexpected things, and is allowed to do so. It's often not subtle, but it's expertly crafted satire.
It defies description in all the ways that I like. It's pure cinema. It's what cinema is best at.
It might just be the best movie I've seen this year. That's why I didn't want to leave it until the end of the list (given these are offered in no particular order), because you should watch it. It's available now in all the regular formats. It deserves a wider audience.
You should watch it.
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