“The American Society of Magical Negros” is a satirical narrative of the Magical Negro Trope, which is described by director Kobi Libii as the Black supporting character of a movie, written without any personal depth to support the white protagonist.

This story starts with a young Black sculptor, Aren (Justice Smith), as he becomes recruited into a secret magical society that serves to maintain levels of white discomfort for the safety of others. 

The members of this magical society lower the levels of discomfort by supporting and advocating for their white clients. 

Aren is taken under the mentorship of Roger (David Alan Grier).

From there, Aren’s narrative journeys through various romantic, uncomfortable and goofy obstacles.

However, though the film is mostly a comedy, it does take a comfortable amount of time to address the deeper issues behind Smith’s character.

In a discussion with the cast and director, presented by IMBdPro and Acura, Smith said, “It’s the first time I had seen my racial experience reflected accurately.” 

The movie reflects this experience through various uncomfortable encounters between the black character and his white client about racial issues. 

As part of the job and the Black experience, Smith’s character quickly finds a way to change the topic to decrease the discomfort of his white client.

It is rare to find stories that can reflect niche experiences such as this one while being respectful, accurate and also entertaining. 

As part of their job description, the society member improves the life of their white client by helping them succeed in achieving their goals. 

In addition to improving the life of the client, the Black society member also benefits by having a lower chance of dying by a violent crime because of their effort in maintaining white discomfort.  

Scenes with magic were not tacky or corny like old Disney movies; they were clean and exactly what they needed to be.

Yet, the real magic came from the expressive acting of Justice Smith.

His character reached the peak of its development in an epic monologue before the film’s conclusion.

This was a defining moment in the movie when the audience got to see all the magic, frustrations and emotions that came out of Smith’s character in such a beautifully satisfying way. 

Alan played the film’s insightful, wise supporting character. 

In cohesion with the film, his character had its depth, which helped to deliver the movie’s broader argument. 

The character understands the implications of his social position in America but learns what he has a right to as a member of anysociety.

Alan also did a fantastic job with comedic introductions, breaks and transitions between scenes throughout the film.

Libii expertly managed both roles as writer and director, creating a movie equally driven by the plot and the rich cinematography. 

The film had classic dark, smooth and funky shots accompanied by nostalgic music. 

In numerous scenes, the director uses dramatic lighting to draw attention to the narrative and, at times, create a feeling of suspense — to remind the audience of the more serious argument about white discomfort.

“The American Society of Magical Negros” presents a profound and appropriately comedic allegory of the Black male experience in America. 

Libii and the film cast did a magical job of expressing their voices creatively. 

The plot was just as dynamic as the cinematography, and the acting was as empathetic and authentic as the intended direction. 

“The American Society of Magical Negros” was released March 15 and is available in theaters.