Classic Film Review #8: Sorry to Bother You

Available on: BBC iPlayer

The acerbic breakthrough feature of writer-director Boots Riley offers a comedic and surrealist commentary on the societal effects of consumerism, seen through the lens of the African American experience.

Sorry to Bother You tells the story of Cash (Lakeith Stanfield), a down-on-his-luck telemarketer who experiences an unexpected and rapid rise through the ranks of his dubious employer. Crucially, the cause of Cash’s newfound success is due to his ability to put on a ‘white voice’ when speaking to clients.

Despite the material benefits that come from his promotion, Cash soon finds himself at loggerheads with his artist/activist girlfriend (Tessa Thompson) and the colleagues he has left behind. The conundrum of choosing between solidarity or material gain might be the driving force of this film from a narrative standpoint, but its handling of oscillating racial experiences is its true point of difference.

Riley’s film is, on face value at least, an eccentric slice of indie comedy – and an enjoyable one at that. But scratch the surface and you will see that Sorry to Bother You is resplendent with plenty of disquieting insights into our capitalist society and the racial divide that continues to run through it.

The film is also a visual delight and unafraid to play with the boundaries of form, making for a unique and at times unsettling viewing experience. This is never more apparent than during its brilliantly bonkers crescendo, when Cash finds out the true motivations of his nefarious paymasters.