Panamanian-Mexican-American actress Tessa Thompson is an absolute gem – this fact is well-known. From her film work, where her character, Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok has become a queer icon set to receive her own comic book, to her on- and off-screen relationship with singer Janelle Monae, audiences consume all things Tessa T. And next week they’ll have another movie to see starring everyone’s queen with the release of Boots Riley‘s new subversive comedy, Sorry to Bother You.
Sorry to Bother You has been described as completely insane by people who have seen it online and this is evident by its red-band trailer. The film follows Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield), a down-on-his-luck average Joe who gets a job as a telemarketer. By using his “white man voice,” he’s able to rise up the corporate ladder, with all manner of bizarre consequences happening in his wake. The trailer doesn’t hide the fact the film will deeply discuss the role of race in America, with Cassius becoming more reliant on his voice – dubbed by actor David Cross – throughout. Thompson plays the role of Cassius’ activist girlfriend, Detroit. Her wearing of political statements on her earrings is amazing, and a brief scene of her with a British accent semi-nude for a performance art piece proves she has plans for something big. Audiences are also given glimpses of other characters played by Danny Glover and Armie Hammer; the latter plays a douchey corporate executive intent on recruiting Cassius.
The trailer is definitely whetting the appetite for what looks to be an utterly, but wonderfully, bizarre film by director Riley. It’s been on the festival circuit for a few months, where it popped up on our list of must-see Latino movies that played at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Thompson looks to have a great year in store between the release of Annihilation earlier this year, Sorry to Bother You, and the release of Creed II in November.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7FvLW2dLNA
Sorry to Bother You is currently in limited release and expands to more theaters on July 13.