Boots Riley, the director, writer, and musician behind “Sorry to Bother You,” is set to release his genre-defying mystical limited series, “I’m A Virgo,” on Prime Video. In this anti-capitalist satire, Riley uses absurdity to point out the obvious in real-life situations. The series follows the story of Cootie, a 13-foot-tall protagonist played by Jharrel Jerome, who is released into the world at the age of 19 and meets a group of teen activists in Oakland.
Riley’s creativity stems from his attraction to large contradictions. He believes that the contradictions of capitalism are present in almost everything we do. His approach to storytelling is similar to that of writing lyrics for a song. He sets up a situation that says something in itself and then introduces a line that feels ironic or unexpected. By doing so, he surprises the audience and points out something deeper. In the case of “I’m A Virgo,” the 13-foot-tall Black man named Cootie challenges racial stereotypes and prompts viewers to think differently about the world around them.
The central theme of the series is to offer a different lens through which viewers can examine their own lives and the world they live in. Riley believes that traditional media often tells people that they are nothing and that what’s important are the stories and people on TV. He wants to challenge this notion and inspire viewers to seek something more meaningful and connect with others on a deeper level. This desire for connection is reflected in the story of Cootie and his love interest Flora, played by Olivia Washington.
Riley’s own upbringing and activism have influenced his storytelling. His father was a Vietnam War protester, and Riley has been involved in community organizing for much of his life. He doesn’t create art solely to enlighten people but rather to inspire action. He believes that most people already know what is wrong with society but often struggle with the question of whether or not it can be changed. Without organizations and movements for people to get involved with, art alone cannot bring about significant change.
Related Post
Riley also weighs in on mass labor strikes, including the ongoing writers strike in Hollywood. He believes that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) underestimated the determination of the writers to fight for their rights. He sees the need for a mass militant, radical labor movement to bring about change and believes that reaching as many people as possible, even through platforms like Amazon, is necessary to spread his message.
“I’m A Virgo” has received praise from critics, with THR’s chief TV critic Daniel Fienberg describing it as a “seven-episode red-hot poker in the eye of the corporate establishment.” He explains that the series wraps its anti-capitalist message in a thin casing that combines elements of superhero drama and allegorical satire.
In conclusion, Boots Riley’s “I’m A Virgo” is a genre-defying mystical limited series that uses absurdity to highlight the contradictions of capitalism. Through the story of a 13-foot-tall protagonist and a group of teen activists, Riley aims to inspire viewers to think differently about society and seek meaningful connection. He believes in the power of organized movements and is committed to fighting for the rights of workers. By releasing the series on platforms like Amazon, he hopes to reach a wider audience and spark a mass labor movement for change.
