‘JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH’ SHOWCASES EVOLUTION OF BLACK PANTHER PARTY

The Black Panther Party, an organization considered a relic of a lost epoch, joins many other historical groups in carrying the burden of having existed in a culture highly opposed to their ideological objective.

Remembered as an intimidating militia of fiery radicals, an interpretation they would have no doubt proudly agreed with, the party perfectly represents the particular brand of highly aggressive (yet immensely humanitarian) advocacy for political progress that was born and flourished in the 1960s civil rights era. While the Party no longer exists in its original form, its unyielding spirit evidently continues pushing on, alive and well, regardless.

Released in theaters and onto HBO Max (for a limited time) simultaneously on Feb. 12, “Judas and the Black Messiah,” just as the community around which this new film revolves, is both inherently tragic, yet undeniably compelling: As the Party itself was born and died amidst suffering, there is little unconditional happiness present in the dramatization of the final years of its chairman, Fred Hampton, and his betrayal by undercover FBI informant William O’Neal.

Through a performance just recently earning him a Golden Globe award, actor Daniel Kaluuya’s Hampton holds a supernatural resolve, conveying unwavering faith in his comrades in every breath, expression, and determined action. As the film’s titular parallel clearly intends to highlight, Hampton’s position as “messiah” to followers incapable of seeing any wrong in his wisdom contrasts perfectly with a constantly self-doubting, shame-filled O’Neal (also portrayed brilliantly by Lakeith Stanfield) – a “Judas” destined to reluctantly condemn his savior to true doom (and succumb to his own guilt afterward as a result).

The principal visions behind Judas and the Black Messiah are obviously highly sympathetic to Hampton and his Black Panther chapter’s plight. It may prove slightly distracting to those with differing opinions, but these passions ultimately only serve to enhance the narrative being explored and examined. After all, at least some amount of admiration for a character’s cause must be necessary when attempting to inspire others, including viewers, to identify with them.

While, yes, highly timely in its depiction of political strife, Judas and the Black Messiah is just as valuable as a masterful encapsulation of an age-old, legendary narrative, one centered around a man and his disciples, walking a cursed Earth, only salvation on the mind.