'Magical Negroes': A Satirical Take on Racial Stereotypes

Kobi Libii's directorial debut explores the 'Magical Negro' trope in fiction, sparking conversation and criticism

'The American Society of Magical Negroes' is a satirical comedy that explores the 'Magical Negro' trope in fiction, where a stereotypical Black character exists solely to support the journey and growth of a white character.
The film, directed by Kobi Libii, imagines a world where being a 'Magical Negro' is a real job for a select few Black Americans, with the goal of identifying nervous white people and making them feel at ease for the sake of everyone's safety.
The protagonist, Aren, played by Justice Smith, is an aspiring artist who becomes a recruit for the 'American Society of Magical Negroes' and is assigned to look after a nervous white graphic designer.
The film has been criticized for its uneven writing and for not delivering a message that feels as urgent as it could be, with some critics suggesting that the emotions in Aren's big angry scene seem unearned.
Despite the criticism, the film's world-building, production design, and score have been praised, and it has been suggested that it could become a conversation piece due to its satirical point of view.