American Fiction sells itself on one idea, the gimmick of a writer selling a book he doesn't respect to an obliviously ignorant audience, but that's just the hook. Fiction is really more about the dynamics of Wright and his family navigating their complex relationships and connections. And while the movie's gimmick is both funny and thought provoking, it is the story of these richly drawn characters which is what makes American Fiction so compelling.
American Fiction is also laugh out loud funny. I found myself beginning to laugh only to get further layers of complexity to the jokes often making them even funnier. The humour comes from the dynamics of the characters and their relationships making the humour quite endearing and very pointed.
The cast is remarkable. The film is very much an ensemble piece with Wright (in one of my favourite of his performances) at the centre. His chemistry with Ross, Alexander, and Brown especially is just outstanding. You just want to be a part of their world and their family. The whole cast comes together just so perfectly.
American Fiction doesn't skimp anywhere. From its biting cultural criticisms to its beautifully drawn family drama, the film is joyous and smart and embraces loss and self-depreciation. It never takes the easy way out on any of these things, with Wright's character being human enough to be right and wrong, frustrated and frustrating, and learning along the way. The film ends in a way that honours what we saw throughout the film and doesn't give us anything too pat, even as it teases us for wanting that. For a feature film debuts, Fiction is as good as they get. I can't wait to see what Jefferson will do next.
American Fiction
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lisa Rae, Sterling K. Brown, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David
Writer/Director: Cord Jefferson
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