American Fiction (2023)

A black writer and teacher (Jeffrey Wright) living in L.A. goes on leave after his students complain about his abrupt and unsympathetic demeanor. Going home to Massachusetts, he reconnects with his family and writes a satire of popular black literature that pushes "ghetto" stereotypes. To his shock, the book is published and acclaimed but no one gets the satire, it's considered a serious landmark in black literature! Based on the novel ERASURE by Percival Everett and directed by Cord Jefferson in his directorial debut. I loved this movie! Incisive and witty, the film pokes fun at accepted stereotypes (usually by white people) on the "black" experience. At the film's center is a sensational performance by Jeffrey Wright in an Oscar nominated performance. Wright is a brilliantly talented Tony and Emmy winning actor but cinema hasn't always done well by him. AMERICAN FICTION remedies that! In a pay attention directing debut, Cord Jefferson (who also did the screenplay) balances the topical humor with a heartfelt and sentimental (in a good way) family dramedy. Looking forward to his next film. The excellent cast includes Sterling K. Brown, Leslie Uggams, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Keith David and Adam Brody.