Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Get Your Comic On
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    • Hot Topics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Marvel
      • Power Rangers
      • Star Trek Universe
      • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
      • Titan Comics
      • Transformers
      • Universal Pictures
    • Features

      Roofman: The True Story Behind the upcoming film and other infamous prison breaks

      October 18, 2025

      Six Crime Films to Watch After ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE

      September 29, 2025

      Five Dark Knight Animated Projects to Watch This BATMAN DAY

      September 16, 2025

      Who Could Superman and Lex Team-up to Defeat in 2027’s MAN OF TOMORROW

      September 15, 2025

      The 10 Most Memorable Deaths In The ALIEN Series, Ranked

      August 15, 2025
    • Comics

      Dark Horse Books Presents STRANGER THINGS AND DUNGEONS & DRAGONS LIBRARY EDITION for May 2026 Release

      October 31, 2025

      DC K.O. #1 Returns to Press for a Knockout Second Printing!

      October 31, 2025

      Dark Horse Books Announces FROM THE WORLD OF MINOR THREATS Library Edition Release for 2026

      October 31, 2025

      ABSOLUTE BATMAN 2025 ANNUAL #1 Review

      October 29, 2025

      SUPERNATURAL (2025-) #1 Review

      October 29, 2025
    • Film

      ARROW Bringing Samuel L. Jackson Classic SNAKES ON A PLANE to 4K in January 2026

      October 31, 2025

      Hammer Films Announces WHISPERING SMITH HITS LONDON as Latest 4K Restoration Release

      October 31, 2025

      SHELBY OAKS (2025) Review

      October 31, 2025

      Netflix Debuts Final Trailer for Guillermo del Toro’s FRANKENSTEIN

      October 31, 2025

      Here’s Everything Coming to RAKUTEN TV in November 2025

      October 31, 2025
    • TV

      Prime Video Sets February 2026 Return for CROSS, Teaser Trailer Released

      October 31, 2025

      Here’s Everything Coming to RAKUTEN TV in November 2025

      October 31, 2025

      Shudder Debuts Official Trailer for THE CREEP TAPES Season 2

      October 31, 2025

      Vecna Unleashes his Final Attack in Explosive STRANGER THINGS Season 5 Trailer

      October 30, 2025

      Here’s Everything Coming to PARAMOUNT+ in November 2025

      October 25, 2025
    • Culture
      • Anime
      • Collectibles
      • Conventions
      • Gaming
    • Podcast
    • Interviews

      Anson Mount Breaks Down the STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS Season 3 Finale (EXCLUSIVE)

      September 12, 2025

      Richa Moorjani Breaks Down ALIEN: EARTH Episode 5 (EXCLUSIVE)

      September 3, 2025

      PEACEMAKER Stars Jennifer Holland & Frank Grillo Discuss Working Together on Season 2 (EXCLUSIVE)

      August 25, 2025

      Sol Rodriguez & Steve Agee Talk Dance Routines and Sharing Scenes in PEACEMAKER Season 2 (EXCLUSIVE)

      August 25, 2025

      Danielle Brooks & Freddie Stroma Talk Shooting Emotional PEACEMAKER Season 2 Scenes (EXCLUSIVE)

      August 25, 2025
    • Directory
    Get Your Comic On
    Home»Film»Film Review»JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH review: Tense, powerful and relevant
    Film Review

    JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH review: Tense, powerful and relevant

    James ListerBy James ListerFebruary 24, 2021Updated:March 2, 2021No Comments7 Mins Read
    Judas and the Black Messiah
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    Last week, I had the absolute privilege of watching Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah. The film takes us back to the 1960s and focuses on the betrayal of Fred Hampton, the chairman of the Black Panther Party in Illinois, at the hands of the criminal and infiltrator, William O’Neal. While the Black Panther Party attempts to expand by allying with neighboring gangs and groups, O’Neal thrives on the profitable opportunities presented to him by playing both the BPP and the FBI.

    You can check out the official synopsis from Warner Bros. below:

    FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands?

    To put it simply, Judas and the Black Messiah is a fantastic film. But before I jump into the film itself, I actually wanted to focus briefly on the title. It’s not very often that I pay attention or even complement the title of the film. However, Judas and the Black Messiah is genius. A film’s title often hints to what the film is actually about. As it should. But Judas and the Black Messiah does it in such a unique way by connecting it to a story that we are all familiar with.

    The story of Jesus and Judas is mirrored in King’s intense biographical drama and I loved that. It felt powerful yet poignant. Despite not knowing much about the Black Panther Party, I got everything that I needed to know from the title. I knew straight away that this was a film about betrayal, trust and brotherhood. Fred Hampton stood as the Jesus figure rallying people together and giving them a voice, while O’Neal posed as a trusted friend and ally waiting for his moment to turn. There he is, Judas.

    LaKeith Stanfield as William ‘Neal

    The growing relationship between Fred and O’Neal is the central focusing point of this story. Of course, you have other things happening at the same time, Hampton falls in love, the FBI look for ways to manage the BPP, and members of the BPP get into trouble resulting in some gruesome deaths which unfortunately are not fictitious, but they are all connected to the dynamic relationship between O’Neal and Hampton. That is ultimately where the film shines. We get to see that bond grow and flourish. But while that is happening, O’Neal is struggling with his inevitable betrayal. We get to see him doubt his decisions and question his ideals. Unfortunately, we already know how it is going to end. This is the story of Jesus and Judas, after all.

    LaKeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya are absolutely fantastic in Judas and the Black Messiah. Their performances are captivating and they were just brilliant to watch from start to finish. What I really admired is that we’re presented with two incredibly diverse characters. O’Neal starts off as this troubled criminal. But through his work with Hampton he rises the ranks and begins to transform. Seeing him grapple with the two different sides is quite exhilarating as well. He’s not a professional informant and that really shows. That fundamental flaw results in some incredibly tense scenes. It also weighs him down and that’s what I truly enjoyed most. O’Neal is forced to make some brutal decisions and Stanfield captures that brilliantly with a visceral performance. You could see the pain, you could see the conflict, and you could sense the regret.

    Judas and the Black Messiah is available to watch on HBO Max in the US now.

    On the other side of the relationship you have Fred Hampton played by the wonderful Daniel Kaluuya. Unlike O’Neal, Hampton focuses on helping those around him and pushing the BPP into the spotlight. At first, he comes across as very strict and determined but after meeting Deborah Johnson we soon learn that he’s just a regular person with a big dream. While the film focuses on his charismatic demeanor and his resolve, we get glimpses of his personal life and it only adds to devastation that awaits. As voyeuristic observers, we’re forced to watch both O’Neal and Hampton grow as characters while we wait for the catalyst that will trigger a chain of disturbing events.

    With a combination of a fantastic cast, a powerful and exhilarating story, and a brilliantly structured and immersive rendering of 1960s Illinois, you get a great film. There’s a lot more that I could say about this film. But it’s one that should be enjoyed in its entirety and I can’t wait for people to experience it.

    William O’Neal with Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons)

    Judas and the Black Messiah is a powerful, intense, and relevant film that is carried by a fantastic story that unravels beautifully, and an outstanding cast, most notably Stanfield and Kaluuya who deliver two incredibly juxtaposing performances. As someone who knew very little about the Black Panther Party and the events that occurred from within, this film was incredibly illuminating. Given the current climate surrounding race, particularly in the States, I think this film highlights that there is still a lot of work to be done.

    If you’re unfamiliar with this particular civil rights movement then this film is a must. Not only is it a great film in general, it’s also quite educational to an extent. It’s important to understand the history behind civil right movements such as this one. Especially when those same problems are still prevalent today almost 60 years later. It’s a very sad truth. While I absolutely loved Judas and the Black Messiah part of me just felt sad when it had finished. Partly because I felt that the story of the Black Panther Party was something that I should have known and definitely would have liked to have learnt in school. But also because it made me realise that despite 60 years of human growth we are still anchored by the same prejudices and the same inclination to incite violence towards those who are different.

    This film opens up an incredibly interesting dialogue not only regarding the quality of the film itself but also the message attached to it. I can’t wait for people to see and talk about Judas and the Black Messiah once it becomes available.

    Don’t forget to check out the full trailer.

    Inspired by true events, Judas and the Black Messiah is directed by Shaka King, marking his studio feature film directorial debut. The project originated with King and his writing partner, Will Berson, who co-wrote the screenplay, and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas, who co-wrote the story with Berson & King. King, who has a long relationship with filmmaker Ryan Coogler, pitched the film to Coogler and Charles D. King, who are producing the film with Shaka King. The executive producers are Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler, Kim Roth, Poppy Hanks, Ravi Mehta, Jeff Skoll, Anikah McLaren, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth, Ted Gidlow, and Niija Kuykendall.

    Judas and the Black Messiah is available to watch in the US on HBO Max. However, the film is yet to receive a release date for the UK. We’ll be sure to keep you posted, you don’t want to miss out on this one.


    Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @GetYourComicOn, or on Instagram at GetYourComicOn. If you have a story suggestion email feedback@getyourcomicon.co.uk.

    judas and the Black Messiah Review Warner Bros
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
    James Lister

      James is a writer for GYCO. He has a BA in Media Studies and is currently doing an MA in Media & Communication. He has been a comic book and film fan ever since he was little when his dad used to take him out of school to go and see the latest superhero/blockbuster movie. Since then, He is a massive Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Arrow, Game of Thrones, and Anime fan

      Related Posts

      ARROW Bringing Samuel L. Jackson Classic SNAKES ON A PLANE to 4K in January 2026

      October 31, 2025

      Varèse Sarabande and Craft Recordings Celebrate 50 years of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST

      September 30, 2025

      TIM BURTON’S CORPSE BRIDE 4K Collector’s Edition Review

      September 30, 2025

      Maggie Gyllenhaal Unleashes a Monster in First Trailer for 2026’s THE BRIDE!

      September 23, 2025

      Warner Bros. Bringing 1975’s ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST to 4K This November

      September 20, 2025

      Join us to Visit the Warner Bros. Prop Archive for BATMAN DAY 2025 Celebrations

      September 20, 2025
      Latest

      Fullmetal Alchemist star Caitlin Glass set to attend MCM Birmingham Comic Con

      October 31, 2025

      ARROW Bringing Samuel L. Jackson Classic SNAKES ON A PLANE to 4K in January 2026

      October 31, 2025

      Hammer Films Announces WHISPERING SMITH HITS LONDON as Latest 4K Restoration Release

      October 31, 2025

      Dark Horse Books Presents STRANGER THINGS AND DUNGEONS & DRAGONS LIBRARY EDITION for May 2026 Release

      October 31, 2025

      SHELBY OAKS (2025) Review

      October 31, 2025
      Latest Podcasts
      News

      Spooky Season 2025 Recommendations

      By Neil VaggOctober 30, 2025
      News

      Join us to Visit the Warner Bros. Prop Archive for BATMAN DAY 2025 Celebrations

      By Neil VaggSeptember 20, 2025
      News

      ALIEN: EARTH and the Return of PEACEMAKER

      By Neil VaggAugust 20, 2025
      News

      Superman ’25 & the Future of the DCU

      By Neil VaggAugust 6, 2025
      News

      The Best of 2025… So Far

      By Neil VaggJuly 23, 2025
      X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook LinkedIn
      • About
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
      • Community Guidelines
      • Directory
      • Pitch to Us
      • Advertise
      GetYourComicOn.co.uk is a property of Get Your Comic On Ltd. © 2025 All Rights Reserved. Images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies/owners.

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.