The American Society of Magical Negroes” Misses Mark in Satirical Execution

CNN — Kobi Libii’s directorial debut, “The American Society of Magical Negroes,” kicks off with a promising premise but struggles to maintain its satirical momentum throughout. The film explores the concept of the “magical negro” trope in media, where Black characters exist solely to serve white protagonists’ storylines, but falls short of delivering a cohesive satire.

Justice Smith stars as Aren, a struggling artist recruited into the titular secret society by Roger (played by David Alan Grier), who offers a glimpse of the society’s mission to navigate white discomfort and provide emotional support for white individuals. However, as the plot unfolds, Aren’s assignment to assist a coworker at a social-media firm lacks depth, leaving much of the film feeling flat and underdeveloped.

While the core issue of Black representation in media resonates, the execution of the satire feels uneven and lacks the necessary finesse. Despite moments of promise and a strong performance from Grier, “The American Society of Magical Negroes” ultimately fails to fully deliver on its ambitious premise.

The film premieres in US theaters on March 15 with a PG-13 rating.