The American Society of Magical Negroes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Black wizards cast spells to prevent white people from having feelings, because if white people feel feelings, they might be mean.

🍿 The American Society of Magical Negroes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Aren and the Society

Aren, a struggling artist who feels invisible, is recruited into a secret society. This society, known as The American Society of Magical Negroes, dedicates itself to easing the discomfort of white people. The film introduces the concept that keeping white people comfortable prevents potential harm towards Black people.

Aren’s First Assignment

Aren is mentored by Roger and assigned to a ‘client,’ Jason, who works at a tech company. Aren’s task is to ensure Jason’s happiness, using his newfound ‘magic’ to alleviate Jason’s anxieties and insecurities. This involves subtly manipulating situations to improve Jason’s mood and confidence.

Complications Arise

The situation becomes complicated when both Aren and Jason develop feelings for their coworker, Lizzie. Aren must navigate his duties to the Society while grappling with his genuine attraction to Lizzie. He’s torn between making Jason comfortable and pursuing his own desires, leading to internal conflict and questioning the Society’s principles.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Aren (Justice Smith): A struggling artist who is recruited into a secret society of magical black people.
• Roger (David Alan Grier): A member of the society who recruits and mentors Aren.
• Lacey (Mia Ford): Aren’s friend who provides support and understanding.
• Andrea (Gillian Vigman): The head of the Magical Society
• Brad (Eric Lutz): The antagonist
• Lily (Nozipho Mclean): Ryan’s wife
• Lacey (Mia Ford): Aren’s friend who is working on her novel

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Aren: “You’re not my friend. And you don’t want to be friends, because if we were actual friends, you would have to talk to me and listen to me and make space for the reality that I live in a country that makes me feel like it wants me dead.” – Aren confronts Jason about the burden of being a Black man in America and the constant struggle with systemic racism.
• Aren: “I deserve to be here, not just on this stage but in this world. And that, believe it or not, is a revelation to me.” – Aren’s realization that he deserves to take up space and be recognized in a world that often makes him feel invisible.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,480,645
• Worldwide Gross: $2,496,248

💥 The American Society of Magical Negroes Reviews

Personal Review

I went in expecting a laugh riot, but it was much more than that. The movie made me super uncomfortable at times, especially with the whole ‘making white people comfortable’ thing. Justice Smith was great, and I really felt for his character. The ending was a little cheesy, but overall, I left thinking about some serious stuff. It’s definitely a conversation starter!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in satirical comedies”
  • “Those who enjoy films that explore race and identity”
  • “Fans of Justice Smith and David Alan Grier”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “Suggestive material”
  • “Discussions of racism and microaggressions”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the premise is intriguing, the execution falls short of its potential. The film struggles to balance its satirical elements with meaningful social commentary, resulting in a somewhat uneven viewing experience. Justice Smith delivers a strong performance, but the script lacks the depth to fully explore the complexities of its themes.
• Variety: “A thought-provoking film that tackles difficult issues with a unique approach, but it may not resonate with all audiences. The humor is sometimes awkward and the pacing is uneven. David Alan Grier shines as the mentor figure.
• IndieWire: “The film bites off more than it can chew, resulting in a muddled message and a frustrating viewing experience. While the intentions are noble, the execution is heavy-handed and lacks subtlety. The performances are uneven, and the script fails to deliver on its promise.

Audience Reactions

The unique concept made people think about race relations in a new way.: Viewers appreciated the film’s boldness and willingness to tackle uncomfortable topics.

Justice Smith’s performance was a standout, praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.: Many felt Smith carried the movie and made it worth watching.

Overall Consensus: A divisive film with a unique premise that sparks conversation but struggles to fully deliver on its potential. Audience reactions are mixed, ranging from appreciation for its bold satire to criticism of its uneven execution.

Awards

1. NAACP Image Awards (Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture)- 2025

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was pulled from theaters after three weeks.”
• “The movie uses magical realism to explore themes of race, identity, and societal expectations.”
• “The film is a satirical take on the ‘Magical Negro’ trope in cinema.”

🖥️ How to Watch The American Society of Magical Negroes?

As of October 26, 2024, ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services like Peacock.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The American Society of Magical Negroes, you might like these similar films:

• Sorry to Bother You (2018): Both films use surreal and satirical elements to critique race and capitalism.
• American Fiction (2023): Explores the complexities and absurdities of race, representation, and identity in contemporary America with a focus on the publishing industry.
• Get Out (2017): A horror film that explores similar themes of racial tension and the exploitation of Black bodies in a more sinister way.

🛒 The American Society of Magical Negroes Related Products

• The American Society of Magical Negroes Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster, perfect for fans of the film. Showcases key art and title. Decorate your room with the films aesthetics.
• The American Society of Magical Negroes T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring a design inspired by the film. Available in various sizes and colors. Rep the film in a fun way.

🎧 Soundtrack

The American Society of Magical Negroes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Games People Play” – performed by Johnnie Taylor

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Four Favorites with The American Society of Magical Negroes Director Kobi Libii #shorts

Want to know what inspired the director of ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’? Kobi Libii shares his four favorite things in this short interview – pretty cool to hear his influences!

New Film Says WHITE PEOPLE Are The MOST DANGEROUS Animals On EARTH, Magical Negroes Film Sparks FURY

Heard about the controversy surrounding this film? This video dives into the debate it sparked, some of the arguments are pretty wild, you should see it!

How a Secret Magical Society Came to Take on Microaggressions | Origin Story

Ever wondered about the meaning behind ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’? This video from Focus Features breaks down the origin story – it definitely gives a new perspective on the film!

Hollywood TRASH! Racist Harry Potter knockoff “The American Society of Magical Negroes” WRECKED!

Want to hear a harsh take on this movie? This review pulls no punches, calling it ‘Hollywood TRASH’ – gotta admit, it’s a pretty entertaining rant!

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