23/MAY/25

WATCHED: (film) They Cloned Tyrone (2023) - dir. Juel Taylor


Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, and John Boyega in They Cloned TyroneThis easlily will be in my favourite films of the year list. It was so good. The acting of the main three cast members as well as the surrounding cast were all so fucking funny, and incredibly serious and sad and heartfelt when the story needed them to be. As you can see the costuming was awesome, the set dressing was similarly grounded in the characters and their lives whilst being heightened to show the contrast of their lives. I love how the story unfolds. From very early on you can start to tell what is happening and where the story might be heading but it is still such a surprise when it begins to unfold!


It was really well paced and I likes that it explores lots of genres. John Boyega was just superb. The way he conveyed confidence and yet an emptiness when Fontaine is drug dealing, then the confusion and horror as the sci-fi elements are introduced and shown to us, and his utter humanness. Of course a large message of the film is about the dehumanisation of the characters (drug dealer, pimp, and sex worker) and so the main actors and the writing are fantastic as humanising them. Teyonah Parris is so lovely as Yo-Yo. Very feisty as well as kind and inquisitive. She is kinda the reality check for the others, as someone who isn't seen as important she really sets it straight with the others (although why would you post the letter IN your own town,,). And I adore Jamie Foxx, the fashion, the attitude, the genius, all so good.


I really liked how the "moral" of the story feels really genuine. It's not plastered on the end and chracters don't make weird comments to highlight the injustice they face. They are just living out there lives and it clear what is taking place. The sci-fi helps to underscore it, but the reality of being Black and poor in America is just given to you. All the characters motivations, or lack thereof, feels genuine. And so with what the film is saying next to the comedy and style of it, I loved it.