Boots Riley's Debut Film
Boots Riley's directorial debut, Sorry to Bother You, is a scathing critique of technofascism, with a unique blend of magical realism and social commentary. This film follows a young African-American telemarketer who adopts a "white voice" to succeed at his job, and is swept into a corporate conspiracy.
Dir: Boots Riley
Cast: LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Omari Hardwick, Terry Crews, Kate Berlant, Michael X. Sommers, Danny Glover
112 mins · 2018 · United States of America · Cert 15 · English
IMDb 6.9/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 93% · Metacritic 78/100 · TMDB 6.8/10 · Trakt 71%
Awards: 20 wins & 56 nominations total
Film Club: Black Beyond: Sorry To Bother You
3 Nov 2026
Curzon Canterbury Westgate
Boots Riley, known for his work as a musician, makes his directorial debut with Sorry to Bother You, a film that has garnered critical acclaim for its originality and bold commentary.
What is the film about? The film is set in an alternate present-day version of Oakland and follows the story of a young African-American telemarketer, Cassius Green, who discovers a magical key to professional success, but is then drawn into a macabre universe.
What kind of film is it? Sorry to Bother You is a fantasy, science fiction, and comedy film, with a runtime of 112 minutes, and a certificate of 15. It features a talented cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Danny Glover.
How was it received? The film has received high scores from various critics and audiences, with an IMDb score of 6.9/10, a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, and a Metacritic score of 78/100. It has also won 20 awards and received 56 nominations. The film will be screened at the Curzon Canterbury Westgate, Canterbury, on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. Tickets are with the button beside the article.
Stills
What viewers say
tetra.archos
This movie was a lot to process. The first half is a really great commentary on society and American culture, even if some moments seem forced or others are obvious setups for later. But half way through it takes a hard turn into a weird place. Also don't watch this if you are scared of [spoiler] horses [/spoiler]
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nmahoney416 · 7/10
At the start this seems normal but man, does shit get weird. LaKeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson are great. I love me some coke snorting Armie Hammer too. Plus David Cross's voice over is perfect. This is not for everyone but worth a watch to see how bat shit crazy Boots Riley is.
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gallifreysbowtie · 8/10
I don't get why some comments say there's a part with "social commentary" and then a part when the movie "gets weird" as if the second couldn't say anything about society.
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MrAniki · 8/10
>Most people knew calling their congressman wasn’t going to do shit. If you get shown a problem, but have no idea on how to control it, then you just decide to get used to the problem.
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loplop · 8/10
Sorry To Bother You is a movie about greed, capitalism, and consumerism told in a very visually surreal and abstract way. It's not a film that will appeal to everyone but fans of Terry Gilliam or Michel Gondry Will appreciate the creativity. 8/10 for me.
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EZDubBOizz · 8/10
It’s always exciting to watch something fresh and unique, and this film definitely delivers on that front. It reminds me of Atlanta in the way it incorporates bizarre, out-of-place elements, though Atlanta leans more into subtlety, while this film fully embraces the chaos. Some of the strange creative choices feel like one-off gimmicks, while others are integral to the film and leave a lasting impact. The latter elements are what truly elevate…
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ragreynolds · 5/10
Had a few good bits and ideas, but most of it didn't really land for me. I feel like it could have made for a really solid thirty-minute short.
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kinduff · 7/10
Ran for too long and made a pretty weird turn, I was into it until that, it was promising. Good luck next try.
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