It's been half a decade since Boots Riley stirred audiences with his debut film, "Sorry to Bother You". Thanks to his creative ability to blend comedy and social criticism, Riley made a name for himself in the industry. His distinct style is once again evident in his recent Prime Video series, "I'm a Virgo".
The series follows the life of Cootie, portrayed by Jharrel Jerome, a 13-foot-19-year-old Black man from Oakland. Jerome steps into a new realm with this show, delivering a performance that is both engaging and entertaining.
Cootie's story takes off when he decides to leave his house, much to the dismay of his overly protective adoptive parents. His exploration of the world makes for an engaging coming-of-age journey, heavily seasoned with Californian culture, developing friendships, falling in love, and hard-hitting sociological critiques.
The playful use of Cootie's towering height allows for comedic moments and everyday laughter. Through various sequences, we get to understand how Cootie eats, lives, and even experiences intimate moments, all demonstrated tastefully and with humor. Jerome brings Cootie's awkwardness to life, making the audience love and care for him.
Absurdity is a prevalent theme throughout the series, carefully used by Riley not just for comic relief, but also to support key themes of the series. One memorable character is “The Hero,” a super-powered millionaire law enforcer, whose portrayal underlines the issues with policing and society's fixation on superheroes.
The series also presents a critique of capitalism. It explores the system's consequences through scenes that highlight the challenge of accessing healthcare, a cult of Steve Jobs lookalikes proclaiming Cootie as their savior, and the indignity Cootie experiences when reduced to a racial stereotype in a fashion installation.
"I'm a Virgo" balances being a fun coming-of-age show and a critical study of the hurdles faced by young Black individuals in a politically charged environment. With a tremendous cast and Riley's ability to deliver absurdist comedy and significant social commentary, "I’m a Virgo" makes for an enjoyable and thought-provoking series. Riley's return, even after a five-year gap, has definitely been worth the wait.
"I'm a Virgo" is now available for streaming on Prime Video.
