Direction: Cord Jefferson
Country: USA
American Fiction unfolds as an open-hearted comedy drama with spun fast and sharp dialogue where humor prevails even in the midst of poignant moments. It’s a remarkable feature debut for Cord Jefferson, whose curious perspective and narrative intelligence keep a tight focus on the central character. He makes the film a powerful triumph.
The story centers on Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, a talented yet frustrated Black author and English professor. Under a pseudonym, Monk writes a deliberately clichéd satirical novel that exposes the hypocrisy of the publishing industry and white consumerism. Accused of not being ‘Black enough’ in his writings, Monk grapples with death and illness in the family, and contends with the success of a new literary sensation: Sintara Golden (Issa Rae), whom he deems a fraud. Additionally, he reconnects with his estranged brother, Cliff (Sterling K. Brown), a messy plastic surgeon, and navigates a complex love story with Coraline (Erika Alexander), a lawyer living across the street from his mom.
Sensitive in so many ways but also confrontational, the film is a brazenly enlightening, stingingly thought-provoking satire that straddles the realms of drama and comedy, making its point. It’s one of those pictures that remains engaging, even in its silliest scenes, ultimately achieving an airy result considering such weighty thematic loads.
Brilliant casting and a cleverly woven story ensure that funny, angry, and heartbreaking moments blend seamlessly. Wright, who played the leading role in Julian Schnabel’s Basquiat (1996) and has been featured in Wes Anderson’s latest works - The French Dispatch (2021) and Asteroid City (2023) - plays his character with mordancy, virtuosity, and blistering perfection, delivering a career-high performance. Also, composer Laura Karpman infuses some wonderful musical vibes, leaning more towards cool piano jazz than the angular style of Thelonious Monk.
American Fiction presents itself in a distinctive cinematic fashion, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
