American Fiction - Review

The Most Lucrative Joke You've Ever Told.

4 / 5

Directed by Cord Jefferson.

Monk, a writer and English professor, writes a satirical novel under a pseudonym, aiming to expose the publishing world’s hypocrisies. The book’s immediate success forces him to get deeper enmeshed in his assumed identity and challenges his closely-held worldviews.

American Fiction feels like it's taking advantage of a social loophole. A commentary on modern culture and how the Black experience is often used as escapist entertainment by an overwhelmingly white industry. It uses its subject matter as a weapon, simultaneously satirising and proving its point in one fell swoop.

A sharp script and direction from Cord Jefferson feels refreshingly honest and is a beautifully confident debut that sets up a promising career. Jeffery Wright dominates the screen with ease in a well-overdue lead role that utilises his talent and presence.

A film that somehow is getting huge awards praise yet also feels like it's slipping under the radar, American Fiction is an inventive and ingenious experience - if you can find it.

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