As "American Fiction" (2023 release; 117 min) opens, we are introduced to Monk, a Black writer and professor who is forced to take a time-out from teaching after uncomfortable episodes in his class. Monk goes to Boston for a book convention and also to reconnect with family. At the convention he is super annoyed with the success of another Black writer's novel, which contains many stereotyping that white folks seem to expect...

Couple of comments: this is the feature length directing debut of Cord Jefferson, who also co-wrote the script. Jefferson, who is Black, provides a cleaver yet biting satire on reaching commercial mainstream success that was neither intended nor critically warranted. The movie benefits enormously from strong performances, none more so than Jeffrey Wright (as Monk), who deservedly got a Best Actor Oscar nomination. (The movie received 5 Oscar nominations in total.) Does anyone else find it ironic that the movie deploys the very things it disdains in order to get made in the first place?

"American Fiction" premiered last Fall at the Toronto International Film Festival to immediate and near-universal critical acclaim. It started showing in US theaters last month, and I finally saw it this weekend. The Saturday matinee screening where I caught it was attended ok (I counted about 15-20 people). If you are in the mood for a clever satire on racial issues and stereotypes, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.