Boots Riley's "I'm A Virgo' Challenges Us to Deal America's Fear of Black Youth and It's Exploitation of the Poor

 


'I'm a Virgo' ', the Amazon Prime show created by Boots Riley, offers a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience with a wholly original premise: what would life be like through the eyes of a 13-ft tall black man?  With a talented ensemble cast including Jharrel Jerome, Olivia Washington, Brett Gray, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, and Walter Coggins, the series delves into the life of a young man who stands an astonishing 13 feet tall, as he ventures into the world for the first time. One of the standout aspects of the show is its exceptional handling of themes such as racism, police brutality, capitalism, exploitation of lower classes, and wealth disparity. These issues are addressed with a raw and unflinching honesty that forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of our society. Moreover, 'I'm a Virgo' seamlessly weaves in elements of magical realism, adding a surreal touch that heightens the impact of the narrative.

Jharrel Jerome continues to prove that his acting skills are a force to be reckoned with. It's great to see Brett Gray on the screen again, after a terrific run in Netflix's On My Block. It's really good to see him stretch his talents into more dramatic moments. However, for me the true delights of the series are Olivia Washington, who looks just like her mother, but may prove to be the true torch-bearer to her father.  Also, Kara Young, who plays joys plays an excellent stand-in for the voice of Riley, as the character of Jones helps Jerome's Cootie understand more about the powers at play in society. 

What sets 'I'm a Virgo'  apart is its exploration of black youth in modern-day America. The show effectively serves as a coming-of-age story, shedding light on how young black individuals are perceived, exploited, and often ignored by society. Through its powerful storytelling, it exposes the deep-rooted systemic issues that perpetuate social injustices and highlights the urgent need for change. The performances by the cast are exceptional, capturing the complexities and struggles faced by black youth with authenticity and nuance.

Boots Riley's vision as the creator shines through in every aspect of the show. The writing is sharp, engaging, and unafraid to tackle uncomfortable truths. The cinematography and production design enhance the narrative, creating a visually captivating world that juxtaposes the extraordinary with the mundane. At times, the visuals make you uncomfortable, in a way that forces the audience to engage and deal with the criticism of society being posed. The show's commentary on capitalism and the exploitation of the working class is both incisive and thought-provoking, offering a profound critique of societal structures. 

'I'm a Virgo'  is an outstanding allegory that illustrates that under capitalism, those at the margins of society continue to be abused.  Its use of magical realism adds a captivating layer to the storytelling, while the performances and writing paint a vivid portrait of the challenges faced by black youth in America. Boots Riley has crafted a modern-day coming-of-age tale that demands attention, forcing viewers to confront the systemic issues that plague our society. This is one show that I will continue to come back to and deal with as I am sure I haven't unpacked all its treasures.  

I wish I could share it with my students, but hopefully, they'll find their way to it.  

A

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