Parents' Guide to American Fiction

This is a funny, acerbic, and sadly true dramedy about the state of various aspects of the U.S. entertainment industry and what many believe "the authentic Black experience" to be. Director-writer Cord Jefferson's script is one that many Black creators and consumers can likely relate to: On the one hand, it's great to have your work accepted by the mainstream, as that often leads to money and more opportunities. But, on the flip side, what does it mean to be accepted if, to do so, you must sell a stereotypical version of yourself and your culture? American Fiction dives deep into that conundrum while skewering White liberalism in the process and noting how too many people who claim to be "woke" are really still asleep when it comes to actually listening to Black voices. (Indeed, one scene in the movie literally has a woman say that she feels it's important to listen to Black voices while ignoring the opinions of the Black people in the room.)

The movie's ending might leave some viewers feeling dissatisfied, but its open-endedness could lead to a lot of thoughtful discussion. No matter how it ends, American Fiction is a dynamic work that acts as a release valve for Black people who are tired of seeing the same stories get told over and over again in the media.