Sorry To Bother You

Writer/director Boots Riley makes his directorial debut with "Sorry to Bother You," an absurdist dark comedy with magical realism and science fiction inspired by the world of telemarketing, adding to the growing canon of new, necessary African-American storytelling.

Like "Get Out," this film offers a supernatural twist on the appropriation of Black bodies. Like "Fruitvale Station," this dramedy offers a snapshot of institutionalized marginalization in Oakland. Like Childish Gambino/Donald Glover's music video "This is America," Riley's story explores the insidious, casual violence of white supremacy. And, semi-spoiler alert, a touch of "The Island of Dr. Moreau."

Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) lives in his uncle Sergio's (Terry Crews) garage, and has a fraught relationship with artist Detroit ("my parents wanted an American name," Tessa Thompson). He finds a cubicle farm job with upward mobility potential alongside workmates Omari Hardwick, Steven Yeun and Danny Glover.

By using white phone voices, provided by David Cross and Patton Oswalt, a chosen few who "stick to the script" capture the attention of vulture capitalist Armie Hammer. Other guest voices include Rosario Dawson and Forest Whitaker.

The "Beautiful Clutter" featurette interviews Riley, who grew up wanting to be Prince and have his power over people's minds and hearts. He's been a music producer for over 20 years, which he feels laid the groundwork for his movie directing career.

He talks of wanting new films, not just POC versions of existing films.

Sorry to Bother You
Blu-ray
$19.96
http://sorrytobotheryou.movie