With his SXSW 2026 opening night film, Boots Riley’s latest swings big — and I found myself both admiring aspects of it and shaking my head in equal measure.
From the beginning, it’s clearly a Boots Riley film: bold, highly stylized, and full of color. The imagery is vivid and creative, almost intoxicating at times, drawing you into a world that feels exaggerated but still familiar. Visually, it seldom misses its mark. You can sense the confidence behind the camera, and it’s a major reason you stay engaged even when the story begins to wobble.
The cast is truly captivating. Keke Palmer, for me, is the heart of it—she’s magnetic, funny, and completely at ease amid the chaos. I loved her performance here. Alongside her, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, and Poppy Liu make a group that genuinely clicks; their chemistry is playful and natural, which makes the “professional shoplifters” premise feel almost like a twisted form of community service. There’s a real sense of fun in watching them bounce off each other. Even with an impressive supporting cast—Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, and Demi Moore—it’s that central group that drives the film’s energy.
Where things become complicated is the story. The premise—a crew targeting a ruthless fashion maven—is intriguing and ripe for satire, especially in Riley’s hands. There are moments when it works: sharp, funny scenes and hints of political commentary that feel pointed and relevant. But too often, the narrative veers into territory that’s so absurd it undercuts itself. Instead of sharpening the message, the film buries it under layers of silliness that don’t always land.
And then there’s the demon. It’s one of those choices that feels less like bold storytelling and more like a distraction. The character seems completely unnecessary—draining in more ways than one—and honestly just unpleasant to watch. Rather than adding depth or tension, it pulls the film off track.
In the end, I walked away feeling conflicted. There’s a lot to enjoy here: striking visuals, a fun and dedicated cast, and especially Keke Palmer, who makes the whole experience worth it. But the movie can’t quite sustain its core. Its ideas are there, its voice is clear—but the storytelling becomes so chaotic and foolish that much of what it’s trying to communicate gets lost. The vibe in the Paramount, as usual, was energetic and electric, but for me, at least, the film faltered under the weight of Riley’s enthusiasm for the weird and wild.