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Review by Adam Courtliff
In a world full of sequels, prequels, and even requels, it’s becoming a lot harder to find truly unique voices like Boots Riley who are totally unafraid to take risks and create something so bonkers and unapologetic that you have not seen anything like it before. That may sound like something you’ve heard before when describing other films, but it really is the only fitting way to describe something like I Love Boosters.
Undoubtedly, the best way to go into I Love Boosters is as blind as possible and simply enjoy the ride, so I’ll keep the synopsis as vague as possible. The film follows a group of shoplifters actively taking revenge on a high end fashion mogul responsible for making their lives a misery. Of course, with a Boots Riley production there is far more to the story than that, with some of the strangest, most outrageous, and even risky twists and turns along the way. There are no holds barred as Riley takes some of the most audacious swings you are likely to see all year and, for the most part, they land extremely well.
The script does not shy away from politics, with its anti-capitalist core messaging loud and proud, but it is not just another simple eat the rich story we have seen countless times before. Instead, I Love Boosters digs into economic divides and class disparities, while also taking aim at the American fashion industry for its exploitative practices and reliance on sweatshops in China that do not pay a livable wage. That may seem like a lofty message to come out of Hollywood, but Riley’s writing is sincere, allowing that social commentary to shine through.
The impressive cast, led by the impeccable Keke Palmer, all excel and show full commitment to their roles even in the most outrageous of scenes. Palmer proves once again that she is one of the brightest leading actresses working today with a powerhouse performance, exceptionally supported by Naomi Ackie and Taylour Paige to ensure the Velvet Gang will go down in infamy.
In smaller but equally memorable roles, LaKeith Stanfield and Will Poulter are transformative from previous appearances, and their willingness to buy in adds so much joy to the overall experience. Demi Moore, meanwhile, plays the film’s antagonist and shows once again why she is a recent Oscar nominee as the fashion mogul who sparks a remarkable resemblance to the cartoon villains I remember growing up with.
From a technical standpoint, I Love Boosters is a masterpiece. The costume design, despite it being this early in the year, is likely to be among the very best we will see. Boots Riley has allowed costume designer Shirley Kurata free rein and she has clearly gone to town. Equally, the hair and make-up teams must have had an incredible time creating looks that are nothing short of dazzling.
Visually, the vibrant colours shown in the trailer pop even more than I could have imagined. As the seasons change, so do the colours, and whether it is red, yellow, or blue each one is a visual feast. The score assembled by the music department is bonkers, but in the best way. In some ways it reminded me of Johnny Depp’s Willy Wonka with its sheer madness becoming strangely infectious.
Boots Riley has swung for the fences with I Love Boosters, creating scenes that will blow audiences’ minds. There is certainly an awful lot going on and not every strand fully comes together, but filmmakers as unique as Riley are hard to come by. I would much rather watch ten more risk taking films like this than the sequel slop that has become all too common.
