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When it comes to the entertainment industry, even the insiders often struggle to predict which releases will win audiences over and which fill fall flat—which will take home awards and which will quickly be forgotten. And in American Fiction, a talented writer’s attempt at satire doesn’t go as expected.
American Fiction returns home to Massachusetts with author and professor Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright). Monk has reached a roadblock in his career, and he can’t get his latest novel published because publishers think it isn’t “Black enough.” Tired of the way that the industry latches on to the most stereotypical urban entertainment, he uses a pen name to write a completely outrageous novel that’s everything that he hates. But instead of making a statement about how ridiculous things have gotten, he scores a massive book deal that helps him provide for his aging mother.
Part family drama, part romantic comedy, part social commentary, this film has something to say to every member of the audience as it explores every part of Monk’s life. It follows him as he struggles with his family relationships, dealing with loss and weakened connections and dwindling finances while trying to care for a mother whose health is failing. It also follows him through the ups and downs of a new relationship, as he resists opening himself up and becoming vulnerable. And it follows him as his alter ego becomes an overnight success for work that he finds not just idiotic but even offensive. It may take on a lot—and maybe more than it should—but it handles everything with the right blend of humor and compassion.
Monk is a complex character—sometimes frustrating, sometimes relatable—yet Jeffrey Wright takes all of the character’s features and flaws and offers up a memorable performance. His Monk is smart and talented and maybe a little egotistical. He’s tired of not being respected for his strong, intelligent work, while those who play into the stereotypes get awards and standing ovations. He dreams of the honor and attention, but he’s appalled by what others do to get it. Viewers may not always like him, but they’ll be entertained by this amusing and often eye-opening look at this man who’s walking the fine line between being true to himself and selling out.
There’s a lot going on in this perceptive comedy—and each viewer will pick up on different aspects of the story. But no matter what you get out of it, you’re sure to find it clever and thought-provoking and loaded with strong performances.
You can follow Monk on his journey of self-discovery when American Fiction arrives in theaters on December 22, 2023.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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