‘American Fiction’ Review
Stars: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Leslie Uggams, Sterling K. Brown, John Ortiz, Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, Myra Lucretia Taylor | Written and Directed by Cord Jefferson
Having worked on TV shows like Watchmen and The Good Place, Cord Jefferson makes his directorial debut with this feature adaption of Percival Everett’s 2001 novel, Erasure. American Fiction follows Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), a writer who is irritated at how the publishing world rejected his latest work for not being “black enough.” Monk pours those frustrations into a novel satirising the tropes that black writers are expected to adhere to, although he is surprised at how well-received the book becomes.
What Jefferson has crafted is a witty piece of social commentary that approaches the treatment of black stories in ways that are thoughtful and entertaining. The frustration is felt at how the stories most valued are the ones pandering to tired stereotypes, which leaves black writers pigeonholed into writing stories that feel outdated, while the film also plays up how creatives fall hook, line, and sinker for a lacking work that they can market as “important.” Aim is taken at the people whose attempts at helping are ultimately wrong-headed and self-serving, with a stand-out moment involving a character declaring the necessity of listening to black voices while ignoring the differing opinions of black people right in front of them.
Also mixed into the narrative is a bittersweet family drama, as Monk reconnects with his family after returning to Boston. As he initially spends time with sister Lisa (Tracee Ellis Ross), who was left caring for a lot regarding the family home, Monk takes on more responsibilities which includes looking after their mother, Agnes (Leslie Uggams). He also crosses paths with his estranged brother, Cliff (Sterling K. Brown), who has adopted a party lifestyle after a recent divorce. There are a lot of elements here for the film to juggle, and it can feel like there is more than the film can handle, while Lisa ends up feeling like a plot device to drive Monk’s story.
In the lead role, Wright delivers a phenomenal performance as the irritated writer. The simmering resentment is felt as he gains accolades for a work he made that he considers beneath him, while the books that he pours his all into are ignored. He also becomes more compassionate as he grows to understand his family more, discovering new sides to the late father that he looked up to. Threatening to steal the film is an exceptional Sterling K. Brown, who embraces life as his true self while trying to party through his inner hurt. This all makes for an impressive feature, as American Fiction touches upon thoughtful topics while also being darn funny.
**** 4/5
American Fiction is in UK cinemas now.
