First trailer for Justice Smith's new movie sends up a racist trope
The first trailer for Justice Smith's latest film The American Society of Magical Negroes sends up a racist trope used in American film and television.
A term originally coined by Spike Lee in 2001, the 'Magical Negro' trope is used to describe a Black side character who is used as a plot device in order to advance the story of a white protagonist.
Now, writer and director Kobi Libii has satirised the term in his new comedy film The American Society of Magical Negroes, which follows a secret society of magical Black people who've dedicated their lives to making the lives of white people easier.
The film will premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival next month, before landing in US cinemas on March 22. A UK release date is yet to be announced.
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In the trailer, we are introduced to Aren (Smith), who has found himself recruited into the society. His mentor (played by David Alan Grier) explains the society's sole purpose: to make the lives of white people easier and more comfortable through the use of magic.
"White people feeling uncomfortable precedes a lot of bad stuff for us," he explains to a confused Aren while demonstrating his powers. "That's why we fight discomfort every day."
Once a member of the society, Aren is assigned to his first client Jason Munt (Drew Tarver) and enjoys using his new magical skills.
However, things become complicated when they both develop feelings for the same co-worker Lizzie (An-Li Bogan), leading Aren to question the purpose of a society which prioritises white comfort over his own happiness.
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However, Aren soon learns the decision to pursue his feelings for Lizzie will come at a price, as his mentor reveals that interfering with a client will lead to his memory being erased.
Michaela Watkins, Aisha Hinds, Tim Baltz, Rupert Friend and Nicole Byer also star. Libii has also produced the film alongside Julia Lebedev, Eddie Vaisman, and Angel Lopez.
The American Society of Magical Negroes premieres in US cinemas on March 22, 2024. A UK release date is set to be confirmed.
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