It presents us with the story of one Thelonious Ellison (played by Jeffry Wright); a well-respected, if niche, author and lecturer. After being placed on indefinite leave from his job (after a hilarious outburst surrounding the ethics of the N-word), Thelonious returns home to spend time with his family. When faced with the mounting financial pressure of his mother’s care, he must decide whether to sell out or stick to his guns, trading the health of his family for ideological purity.
you’ll spend most of the film with a smile on your face
It’s a bittersweet film, showcasing the struggles of an upper-class black family taking one gut punch after another as well as being a biting satire about the state of modern literature and the true value of a best-seller. Its also very funny; from our protagonist’s brother’s coke-fuelled gay antics to Wright’s masterful portrayal of a comically distant and awkward character, you’ll spend most of the film with a smile on your face.
The soundtrack is mellow and groovy, a perfect complement to the author’s journey as well as the many dramatic moments within the film. Though the satire can be somewhat ham-fisted at times (although I suppose this could be intentional) American Fiction really does have heart, and I’d definitely recommend it.
4.5/5