Judas and the Black Messiah

About Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah is a 2021 American biographical drama film about the betrayal of Fred Hampton (played by Daniel Kaluuya), chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in late-1960s Chicago, at the hands of William O'Neal (played by Lakeith Stanfield), an FBI informant. The movie explores themes of politics, racial injustice, and subterfuge.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Shaka King, who also wrote the screenplay with Will Berson, based on a story by the pair and Kenny and Keith Lucas. The production team faced challenges recreating the late 1960s setting but was dedicated to maintaining historical accuracy. The film released on February 12, 2021.

Actors

• Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton - Kaluuya inhabits the role of Fred Hampton with a power and grace that brings the Black Panther Party leader to vivid life.
• Lakeith Stanfield as William O'Neal - Stanfield plays the conflicted FBI informant with a deep complexity, showcasing O'Neal’s inner turmoil and fear.
• Jesse Plemons as Roy Mitchell - Plemons portrays the FBI agent to whom O'Neal reports, creating a nuanced depiction of a man caught between duty and empathy.
• Dominique Fishback as Deborah Johnson - Fishback offers a masterful performance as Fred’s partner, Deborah, grounding the political story in a human tale of love and family.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on February 1, 2021, before being released in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on February 12.
• Director Shaka King described Judas and the Black Messiah as a "historical drama instead of a biopic."
• The natives of Hampton and O’Neal were maintained and made part of their characters by the lead actors Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield.

Awards

The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for six awards at the 93rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Daniel Kaluuya won the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Fred Hampton.

Quotes

• "I am a revolutionary!" - Fred Hampton
• "You can murder a liberator, but you can't murder liberation." - Fred Hampton
• "I'm going to die for the people, because I live for the people." - Fred Hampton

Music, Soundtrack

• "Fight for You" by H.E.R. - This song bagged the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
• "EPMD" by Nas - This was one of the songs that added to the revolutionary theme of the film.
• "What It Feels Like" by Nipsey Hussle and Jay-Z - A powerful rap song paying tributes to the heroes of the black community.