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Judas and the Black Messiah 2021

FBI informant William O’Neal infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party, struggling with divided loyalties as he grows to admire Chairman Fred Hampton, a captivating leader whose influence rapidly expands. Hampton finds love with Deborah Johnson, but their relationship is threatened by the dangerous conflict brewing within O’Neal and the escalating war against the Black Panthers. The film explores themes of betrayal, revolution, and the personal cost of fighting for justice.

FBI informant William O’Neal infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party, struggling with divided loyalties as he grows to admire Chairman Fred Hampton, a captivating leader whose influence rapidly expands. Hampton finds love with Deborah Johnson, but their relationship is threatened by the dangerous conflict brewing within O’Neal and the escalating war against the Black Panthers. The film explores themes of betrayal, revolution, and the personal cost of fighting for justice.

Does Judas and the Black Messiah have end credit scenes?

Yes!

Judas and the Black Messiah does have end credit scenes. Stay until the very end!

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Judas and the Black Messiah

Explore the complete cast of Judas and the Black Messiah, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Judas and the Black Messiah

See how Judas and the Black Messiah is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Judas and the Black Messiah stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

83

Judas and the Black Messiah delivers a compelling political drama that balances intimate moments with broader themes of racial injustice. Critics and audiences alike highlight Shaka King’s measured direction and the film’s poignant depiction of Fred Hampton’s revolutionary spirit. While occasional pacing lulls and script limitations temper the narrative’s momentum, strong ensemble performances and evocative imagery maintain engagement throughout. Overall, the film leaves a significant impact by combining historical resonance with emotional depth.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Judas and the Black Messiah

88
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, Shaka King employs precise compositions and a subdued color palette to emphasize the era’s tension. Critics note effective small moments and close-ups, while users praise the stylized camerawork and editing that heightens dramatic beats. The production design and measured editing contribute to a cohesive visual narrative.

80
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the ensemble performances are the film’s driving force. Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield are widely commended for their nuanced portrayals, conveying emotional depth even when the script offers limited development. Supporting performances reinforce the central dynamic. Overall, the characters evoke genuine empathy and maintain resonance beyond the runtime.

70
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the depiction of historical events provides a compelling framework, yet intermittent pacing issues emerge. Some viewers find early narrative momentum slow, and occasional echoes of familiar biopic structures reduce originality. Nevertheless, the film’s layered portrayal of betrayal and activism sustains engagement. Overall, the plot combines factual rigor with episodic dynamism.

85
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Regarding sensory experience, the film features a rich visual style underscored by a restrained color palette and impactful sound design. Critics highlight the stylized cinematography and evocative score that reinforce emotional stakes. Users note the immersive audio-visual cohesion that sustains tension. Ultimately, the sensory elements work in concert to create an engaging and atmospheric experience.

75
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Concerning rewatch factor, the film’s thematic resonance and strong performances encourage multiple viewings. Viewers report emotional discoveries on subsequent watches and appreciation for nuanced details like quiet close-ups. However, the deliberate pacing may deter repeat engagement for some. Overall, the film offers sufficient depth and historical significance to merit revisiting, especially for its central performances and visual subtleties.

Metacritic

84

Metascore

7.3

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

96%

TOMATOMETER

review

95%

User Score

IMDb

7.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

73

%

User Score

Letterboxd

4.0

From 1.1K fan ratings

Movie Insider

4.00/5

From 5 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Judas and the Black Messiah Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Judas and the Black Messiah with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Judas and the Black Messiah Quiz: Test your knowledge about the events depicted in the film 'Judas and the Black Messiah'.

What crime led to William O'Neal's initial arrest?

Awards & Nominations for Judas and the Black Messiah

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Judas and the Black Messiah, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Judas and the Black Messiah and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


93rd Academy Awards 2021

Daniel Kaluuya
Win

Actor in a Supporting Role

Daniel Kaluuya
Lakeith Stanfield
Nomination

Actor in a Supporting Role

Lakeith Stanfield
Nomination

Cinematography

Nomination

Best Picture

Nomination

Writing (Original Screenplay)

74th British Academy Film Awards 2021

Daniel Kaluuya
Win

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Daniel Kaluuya
Dominique Fishback
Nomination

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Dominique Fishback
Nomination

Best Casting

Nomination

Best Cinematography

26th Critics' Choice Awards 2021

Daniel Kaluuya
Win

Best Supporting Actor

Daniel Kaluuya
Nomination

Best Acting Ensemble

Nomination

Best Song

27th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2021

Daniel Kaluuya
Win

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Daniel Kaluuya

36th Artios Awards 2021

Nomination

Big Budget – Drama

78th Golden Globe Awards 2021

Daniel Kaluuya
Win

Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture (Supporting Actor)

Daniel Kaluuya
Nomination

Best Original Song

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Judas and the Black Messiah

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Read the complete plot summary of Judas and the Black Messiah, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In the turbulent backdrop of the late 1960s Chicago, William “Bill” O’Neal, a 17-year-old petty criminal, finds himself behind bars after a botched attempt to hijack a car while impersonating a federal officer. His situation takes a turn when he is approached by Roy Mitchell, an FBI Special Agent, who offers a deal: the collapse of his charges in exchange for his cooperation as an undercover informant. O’Neal’s mission is to infiltrate the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP), led by the charismatic Fred Hampton.

As he immerses himself in the BPP’s activities, O’Neal starts to develop a profound connection with Hampton, who is dedicated to uniting various gangs and militia groups while carrying out vital community services such as the Free Breakfast for Children Program. Hampton’s extraordinary ability to engage audiences leads to the creation of the multiracial Rainbow Coalition. Meanwhile, O’Neal witnesses Hampton’s burgeoning romance with Deborah Johnson, a fellow Party member, adding another layer of complexity to his clandestine role.

Tasked with delivering confidential information to Mitchell, O’Neal receives financial rewards in return. As tensions rise, he learns from Mitchell that a fugitive Party member, George Sams, is secretly cooperating with the FBI. This dangerous knowledge underscores the precariousness of his position within the BPP.

After a series of events that lead to Hampton’s arrest, O’Neal’s credibility within the organization increases, and he climbs the ranks to become a security captain. The situation escalates during a violent confrontation at the BPP office, leading to a tragedy that strikes deep within the community. O’Neal attempts to sever ties with the FBI but finds himself unable to extricate himself from Mitchell’s hold.

The narrative takes a tragic turn when Hampton is jailed for refusing a deal. During his absence, O’Neal learns of the shocking death of Jimmy Palmer, a Party member killed during a police encounter, triggering more violence and chaos among the BPP ranks. In retaliation, another member, Jake Winters, leads a violent confrontation with the police before meeting his own tragic fate.

The stakes rise significantly when J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI Director, orders O’Neal to eliminate Hampton as a threat. Cornered into compliance under pressure from Mitchell, O’Neal does the unthinkable—he is given sedatives with orders to drug Hampton’s drink. On the fateful night when the BPP gathers at Hampton’s apartment, O’Neal feels torn as he watches events unfold. In a moment of betrayal, he drugs Hampton, leading to a police raid that results in Hampton’s assassination.

In the aftermath, O’Neal meets with Mitchell one last time, accepting money and a gas station key as his reward, a symbol of the profound moral conflict he faces. The film concludes with the haunting echoes of Hampton’s speeches, his funeral service, and a somber interview given by O’Neal years later, revealing the harrowing path that led him to a tragic end. Title cards illuminate the ongoing legacy of Hampton’s family, including Fred Hampton Jr., as they continue the fight for justice, highlighting the historical repercussions of this turbulent chapter in American history.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Judas and the Black Messiah

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Judas and the Black Messiah. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Trailer 2

Behind The Scenes

Revolutionary Academy Review

Strangers Academy Review

Chairman

Review

You Will Know His Name Featurette

Behind the Scene: Judas and the Black Messiah Director Shaka King on Making His Film

Judas and the Black Messiah Q&A with Shaka King

Cars Featured in Judas and the Black Messiah

See 17 more

Explore all cars featured in Judas and the Black Messiah, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Buick

1966

Wildcat

Chevrolet

1972

Chevy Van

Chevrolet

1959

Parkwood

Chrysler

1968

Newport Custom

Dodge

1964

Polara

Ford

1965

Custom

Ford

1964

Falcon Futura

Ford

1962

Galaxie 500

Ford

1966

Galaxie 500

Ford

1966

LTD

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


black panther partyfbi federal bureau of investigationreference to malcolm x1960sreference to martin luther king jr.based on true storyfred hampton characterreference to mohammed aliplaying poolcar theftfbi informantchicago illinoisrace relationscivil rightspoliticspolicetrustku klux klanman wears a beretfbi special agentconfederate flagactivismrestaurantmurdershootoutfree breakfast programjusticeprisonhot wiring a carstairwayinformantimpersonating a federal agentbadgeimpersonating a fbi agentdeath of sonhospitalblack americanafrican americanreference to michael schwernerreference to andrew goodmanreference to james chaneymother son relationshipreference to huey p. newtonreference to eldridge cleavergunriflepistolviolencej. edgar hoover characterbar

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