Annapurna Pictures | Release Date: July 6, 2018
7.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 248 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
174
Mixed:
40
Negative:
34
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7
PeterAlexanderOct 16, 2018
In what is potentially the strangest film of the year so far, director Boots Riley paints a goofy yet harrowing depiction of the American dream. At times however, the film feels too absurd for its own good.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
amheretojudgeOct 16, 2018
circles up that current moment with a certified meaning..

Sorry To Bother You Riley's debut major motion picture mocks over the society with such humor and panache that you are laughing equally as much as you are moved by it. It is a flood
circles up that current moment with a certified meaning..

Sorry To Bother You

Riley's debut major motion picture mocks over the society with such humor and panache that you are laughing equally as much as you are moved by it. It is a flood of every bit of long lasting emotions that he aspired to fill in, into a metaphorical tale. This blatant venture of an incoming and outgoing psychology of the current society gets the busyness of the lifestyle aptly on screen. It is so busy that you might feel hectic and nauseated to get into it. The exaggeration of making a point loud and clear may not work for everyone here. It undoubtedly takes few things too far, but Riley's grip on his sharp vision never loses this tale even though it fumbles. The disturbingly murky world created by him is much more scary than it accounts for, it may take things lightly but you better not. And the primary reason to that is, how it makes our usual worries and care for the world so little that it gives you the chill of abyss-ness. It is a well thought out script, each tiny notion projected in here may or may not be a major factor in latter stages but surely circles up that current moment with a certified meaning. It is also flat out hilarious with your typical gags of repetitive pointlessness and difference of opinions and aforementioned, the exaggeration. It puts you right in the spot when it wishes to tickle you and pulls you back right when it wants you to take things seriously. The frame of references used are also at times out of this pathos world, like Glover quoting, "I'm too old for this s***." The pace also helps a lot on boosting off the tale along with its less than two hours of runtime, it doesn't take its concept for granted. The cameos, the rules, the pop culture, the mob mentality and the thirst for climbing up through every pros and cons, everything basically drools the knack for keeping it slick and attractive for the younger audience. But it still doesn't suggest that it is a tale for one, it is equally complex as much as simple the storytelling is. The protagonist soaring higher and higher with a graph that is always off the charts, it is a very busy feature similar to the job he does. And filling such shoes, is Stanfield that is funny and wounded at the same time, he makes use of that clock as much as he can, the camera has to be attentive to him because he is to it. Thompson as a voice of reason, is convincing along with Yeun as a competitor and Hammer as a sinister leader trying to change the law of nature and control the world surrounding him, has done a decent work. Armed with a gripping and layered narration, Riley's execution is brilliant considering, he is a debutant. Sorry To Bother You may bother you but after analysing it, you'd want to be bothered by it once again.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
natedeugJul 25, 2018
This dark comedy is like the best of the Twilight Zone, weaving through the uncanny valley of the near tomorrow in a matter of fact way while the story gets more and more bizarre.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
cinephile_23Jul 11, 2018
If you want to see one of the craziest, satiric, sci-fi comedies (of which there only a few), let me tell you, "Sorry To Bother You" delivers. With unpredictable plot points, biting commentary, and sheer creative madness, this will mostIf you want to see one of the craziest, satiric, sci-fi comedies (of which there only a few), let me tell you, "Sorry To Bother You" delivers. With unpredictable plot points, biting commentary, and sheer creative madness, this will most likely go down as one of the great social satires in the early-21st century. A must see for those who want something new, exciting and intellectual out of their summer movie-going experience! Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
toadchvachyJul 13, 2018
Gosh golly this movie is a surrealist masterpiece, its full of humor in the best way, no bathos, just situational. If you saw the trailer, where the main asks for 40 for gas, that is pretty much the level of humor in this. The satire is pureGosh golly this movie is a surrealist masterpiece, its full of humor in the best way, no bathos, just situational. If you saw the trailer, where the main asks for 40 for gas, that is pretty much the level of humor in this. The satire is pure satire, in every shot there is something that calls out a harmful thing in reality. Later in the film, this goes down a little, as if the movie is preparing you to delve through the shocking twist. No spoiler but near the end, while it is heavy handed, the metaphor is awesome. If you know who boots riley is as a rapper, and you jive with that, you will enjoy this movie. I especially enjoyed Tessa's character. 10/10 would see again. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
DufreshestJul 14, 2018
Sorry To Bother You: What Is Being Today? (Review)

Cinematography: 8.121/10 I sense jaggedness and lopsidedness which contributes greatly to the film's flowing story. This film forces itself to be a work of art deserving recognition.
Sorry To Bother You: What Is Being Today? (Review)

Cinematography: 8.121/10 I sense jaggedness and lopsidedness which contributes greatly to the film's flowing story. This film forces itself to be a work of art deserving recognition. 

Costume Design: 8.499/10 The deluging of corporate culture throughout the film is comically shown through attire as the film progresses though hinges on stereotypes. If you've ever seen traditional corporate photos then the backdrop of many of the scenes might look familiar to you from an outside perspective. The idea is to look good on the outside despite the inner goings of a particular corporate model. 

Film Editing: 8.121/10 It seems intentional in moments though not intentional and then one realizes - there's something up with this picture. It's meant to be blatant though subtle.

Make-up and Hair-styling: 8.721/10 Consistent and revealing.  

Sound Editing: 8.801/10 The eerie music should not comfort anyone. Sorry To Bother You completes itself by its use of sounds and voice. People should really be like - what is going on? and awfully suspicious from the sound alone which I think is really important to better understanding the film. The music is like a Siren singing. 

Visual Effects: 7.739/10 There's definitely a wow-hrmm factor.

Story: 8.999/10 Sorry To Bother You is funny and really deep. The overt comical and dramatic aspects might cause one to overlook the undertone messages each acting partner is riddling throughout concerning Africa, Resourcing, Outsourcing, Insourcing, Dating Culture, Corporations, Unions, Sexual Health, Food Development and Quality, Success, Economy, Friendship, Partying, and Ethics - to name a few. 

Acting: 9.092/10 All of the acting partners do a really great job making Sorry To Bother You an effective-funny film. There's a strong aspect of comedy which I appreciate especially when done well which I've only seen successfully done so many times. It's hilarious because it really happens in everyday conversation especially in public places. Have you ever seen Don't Be A Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood? Do you remember Toothpick? The actors in Sorry To Bother You really capitalize on these moments which I like to call Open Sidebars, insightful reprieves and transitions from another side of the story which is receiving heavy focus to another which is essential though not as tense (like the calm of a river - not the rush of the waterfall).

Personal: Sorry To Bother You plays on a lot of tropes (of which I mention in the Story section) without being redundant. A line and a song come to mind as I'm watching the film: "You can't be broke and happy, so me I'm mad rich" by Lil Wayne and "This Is America" by Childish Gambino. Interesting questions come to mind as I observe Sorry To Bother You (which is an appropriate title name because - obviously, there's a lot that needs addressing): How does one earn affluence? What does one do with their affluence? What types of culture are breeding at the expense of human choice and dignity? How much can anyone really afford to care about anymore? 
Sorry To Bother You questions purpose. I think there's a lot of good in the world and that I will be very wealthy with an aware-intelligent family. Only so many things last in a life anyway. Sorry To Bother You is a good film which I'll remember like Dazed and Confused.

Overall: 8.511/10

-K.D.

If you're into Poetry and other bits of creativity, check out my Instagram: @Dufreshest.

Gambino, Childish. "This is America."Childish Gambino, 2018. Online, https://youtu.be/VYOjWnS4cMY, accessed July 14, 2018.

Wayne, Lil. "Throw It in the Bag."No Ceilings, Lil Wayne. Online, https://sweetslyrics.com/710166.Lil'%20Wayne%20-%20Throw%20It%20In%20The%20Bag.html, accessed July 14, 2018.
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
arod10901Jul 14, 2018
I'd give it a 10 out 10 for sheer originality, it was bold, inventive, wild, twisted, hilarious and unpredictable, instant cult classic status, very refreshing to see a film and have no idea where it is going, I love how the trailer doesn'tI'd give it a 10 out 10 for sheer originality, it was bold, inventive, wild, twisted, hilarious and unpredictable, instant cult classic status, very refreshing to see a film and have no idea where it is going, I love how the trailer doesn't give away much at all, on a side note one of the reasons I didn't enjoy The Shape of Water as much as I thought I would is because I had seen like 4 different versions of trailer that basically gave away the whole film so nothing felt new or exciting when I saw it in theaters, this was the exact opposite, I was shocked and blown away by some of the twists, must be seen to be believe, highly recommended. Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
dammanJul 13, 2018
Great movie. Funny and well acted. I will keep it short so if you want to see a great movie that has a great script and acting this will keep you glued to the screen.
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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10
The3AcademySinsJul 7, 2018
It's not often that we get to see a true, surrealist, absurdist film done well. It's even harder to make surrealism timely. Boots Riley has accomplished these tasks and more in his masterpiece, Sorry to Bother You. This movie capturesIt's not often that we get to see a true, surrealist, absurdist film done well. It's even harder to make surrealism timely. Boots Riley has accomplished these tasks and more in his masterpiece, Sorry to Bother You. This movie captures everything that is going on in the United States right now perfectly: capitalism gone haywire, race relations, class relations, unions, corporate power struggles, and corporate corruption; and it captures these things better than any realism narrative could. If you care at all about what goes on in this country right now, this movie is a must see. If you love surrealism, and are a fan of Salvador Dali or Renee Margritte or Samuel Beckett or Harold Pinter, you need to see this film. If you are sick of the right wing trolls lurking on Metacritic who blindly follow the right's hypocritical narrative, you MUST see this film. If you don't know anything about politics, or don't really care too much, GO SEE THIS FILM. It's funny. It's engaging. It's poignant. And most of all, it is OUT THERE. Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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10
luckystrike_bhJul 12, 2018
I am still trying to process this movie but I do know that it is great! It is refreshing as a movie goer to have a director take me somewhere unexpected and be genuinely entertained. I seriously think that word of mouth is going to takeI am still trying to process this movie but I do know that it is great! It is refreshing as a movie goer to have a director take me somewhere unexpected and be genuinely entertained. I seriously think that word of mouth is going to take this movie in to huge box office returns. Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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8
RatedRexJul 6, 2018
Sometimes artistic expressions are entertaining, sometimes they are thoughtful, and sometimes they are just weird. "Sorry to Bother You" fits all three categories. One thing's for sure: you haven't seen anything like it.
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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8
Brent_MarchantJul 8, 2018
One of the weirdest, wildest sci fi satires I have ever seen -- so strange, in fact, that I'm amazed (but thankful) that this project got the green light to be made. This dark, poignant comedy keeps viewers guessing from start to finish, withOne of the weirdest, wildest sci fi satires I have ever seen -- so strange, in fact, that I'm amazed (but thankful) that this project got the green light to be made. This dark, poignant comedy keeps viewers guessing from start to finish, with unforeseen twists thrown in at seemingly every turn. Not all of the jokes land successfully, and even some that do work at times seem out of context, but the bulk of the humor is hilarious, over the top and tinged with skewering social commentary. This one definitely won't appeal to everyone, but for those who have an off-the-wall sense of humor and enjoy unconventional offerings like "Get Out," "Brazil" and "Liquid Sky" will certainly appreciate this one. Expand
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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7
TVJerryJul 19, 2018
When a black man (Lakeith Stanfield) starts his new job as a telemarketer, he's encouraged to use his "white voice" to make more sales. His success leads him on a twisting adventure that (I guarantee) you will not see coming. Suffice it toWhen a black man (Lakeith Stanfield) starts his new job as a telemarketer, he's encouraged to use his "white voice" to make more sales. His success leads him on a twisting adventure that (I guarantee) you will not see coming. Suffice it to say that there's a sci-fi element that takes this movie into a surprising place. Writer/director (and rapper) Boots Riley has demonstrated an assured grip on storytelling with some creative directorial moments. Although the messaging is heavy handed and it spirals a bit out of control before the end, it's still a dark, fascinating and unique look at the world…or at least Oakland. There's also a great soundtrack from The Coup (Riley's band). Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
GinaKJul 18, 2018
I can’t believe I’ve seen two movies I have scored a “10” this week – and this one in a megaplex! “Sorry to Bother You” is a satire that’s more in the savage spirit of “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift than the more polished and tamerI can’t believe I’ve seen two movies I have scored a “10” this week – and this one in a megaplex! “Sorry to Bother You” is a satire that’s more in the savage spirit of “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift than the more polished and tamer “The Producers” by Mel Brooks. Boots Riley’s film is very, very funny, but it is also very smart and takes on everything from telemarketing, which we all hate, to the darkest side of capitalism, which is a far bigger and more complex subject. I have to see this film again because it goes by fast and furious, so I probably missed a lot. Lakeith Stanfield was excellent as was Armie Hammer – and the entire cast. This is the kind of film that you take a chance on because it gets really good reviews – and it turns out to be great. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
treestandJul 23, 2018
The less you know about this film going into it, the better. It's amazing. So surreal, yet so real. Go see it, get your friends to see it. I don't want to spoil anything here, but this film is worth being talked about, not just about theThe less you know about this film going into it, the better. It's amazing. So surreal, yet so real. Go see it, get your friends to see it. I don't want to spoil anything here, but this film is worth being talked about, not just about the plot, or the quirky optics, but about the ideas presented through it. If you're into surrealist satire and poignant social commentary, you'll love this film. If you prefer your films to have soft edges, then gtfo. The fact that there is a 1/10 score on here by a 'decent christian' who was appalled by the film, left and asked for their money back, only helps sell how great this film is. My ONLY criticism is that Tessa Thompson's character becomes too much of a 'prize to be won' by the protagonist in the third act, would have loved to see her character develop more beyond the moral compass. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
clutch_cobraJul 13, 2018
Incredibly original and wonderfully imaginative, Sorry To Bother You defies many genre tropes and delivers a film that is truly unique. All the characters have clear motivations, and are comparable (if not smart caricatures) of people inIncredibly original and wonderfully imaginative, Sorry To Bother You defies many genre tropes and delivers a film that is truly unique. All the characters have clear motivations, and are comparable (if not smart caricatures) of people in everyday life. So by the time we reach the more fantastic and science fictional areas of the story, we're already grounded in a sense of realism that helps the greater message of the film carry through. A must watch for the current generation. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
Skeeter206Jul 26, 2018
Awesome movie, much more than your average comedy, has social, political and economic commentary on levels not usually seen in movies. Takes a very unexpected turn in it's final act. Most importantly, it is consistently hilarious.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
Bears_n_StuffJul 28, 2018
A movie for our time and the most original thing you'll see this summer. Amazing debut by the director is bolstered by everyone (even Danny Glover!) buying in.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
bradylynnnnOct 10, 2018
I really liked this movie, and so did my friend, but the ending was REALLY weird and took an unexpected turn. I liked how they put in a twist but it was very weird and I didn't know how to react to it.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
LamontRaymondJul 14, 2018
LaKeith is great, but who would've though that this would turn into a mix between Cronenberg ("Videodrome") and Cheech & Chong ("Nice Dreams")?
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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7
TrevorsViewJul 19, 2018
Nothing seems to help people understand humanity’s one problem of the need to give up possessions. Even I admit to being more of a material person than a people person, as I almost always get too concentrated on my own thoughts, often aboutNothing seems to help people understand humanity’s one problem of the need to give up possessions. Even I admit to being more of a material person than a people person, as I almost always get too concentrated on my own thoughts, often about movies, Pokémon, or my ideal future marriage. Consequently, it means I can get irritable whenever common people say to me day to day the same monotonous, “hi, how are you?” That is why I find the different perspectives offered by Sorry to Bother You so valuable—it’s one of those movies I guarantee will hit your inimitable perspective due to its uncomfortably acute social relevance.

Its counter-cultural artistry kicks off by showing violent protests by underpaid workers, the future of labor specified including as we follow the protagonist, Cassius “Cash” Green, through that very riot against the company he works for… Regalview. In his tread through the sea of angry civilians, a thrown cola can strikes his forehead, starting a public trend of people in afro wigs with a cola can taped on. This almost reminds me of the nude Trump statue which exploded over social media, an ugly subject matter that burns your retinas, but frankly, that defines art—controversy. If your art is inoffensive, you’re doing it wrong!

Part of this film’s offensive nature lies in Cash’s girlfriend, Detroit, who keeps changing her earrings to complement her feminist shirts that clarify her messages to whomever stares at her chest. Hard to believe that this is Boots Riley’s directorial/screenwriting debut, for he succeeds at delivering a strong moral that starts at Cash’s fear of the universe’s eventual end. He combats this fear beside Detroit as they try enjoying sex in their garage home… that is, until the door pops open to the whole neighborhood.

I’ll help you better understand. Let’s say you find a street artist whose work features splatter paint of various colors. He tells you he aimlessly threw colors on with the intention of you saying what the image looks like to you, like a therapist holding out splotch patterns for you to name. Thus, the art piece reflects you more so than the artist, a similar approach that this film utilizes in a nontraditional sense. In one sequence, a gaggle of Caucasians force Cash to rap, which he sucks at until he spurts out the same profane words repeatedly, to the crowd’s approval. Does that mean he has become too European-American for his own good? Has he met failure to master his own kind based on how other people defined them as? You must decide, this movie isn’t going to say it for you. There’s true art right there. It’s no simple direct interpretation, rather than you read art, art reads you; then discussion arises alongside a disagreeing opinion.

Unfortunately, the artistry is not perfect, as little of it comes from cinematographer Doug Emmett‘s troublesome camera movements. While the camera continually goes out of focus, bland lighting setups lack the same level of spray-painted contrast as the chaotic colors of the night scenes. Photography allows you a glance through an individual’s eyes, yet the cinematic atmosphere here appears too ordinary without a proper amount of context to be open to interpretation.

Though it’s not anywhere near bad enough to hurt the whole production, as set designer Jason Kisvarday establishes the blue office space of Regalview to give it a feel of a monotonous prison. Several stories above the low-level work area, the high office looks machine-constructed, only accessible by a fancy decorated elevator big to signify relative insignificance. Funny enough, more so than the artistic visuals, you‘ll most remember the words spoken, which always stay consistent even when the film masterfully shifts genres. Such memorable phrases include “Stick to the Script,” the unapologetic slogan of Regalview that motivates workers to do things such as turn a client’s cancer story into a selling point. Do you think that this is acceptable?

Everyone calls art subjective, however, I think I need to clarify that statement a bit. While whatever a film personally says to you based on your unique past experiences is subjective, the quality of practical elements, including writing, acting, and cinematography require objectionable analysis. If a film has a personal touch, then the product that comes from the heart can speak to someone spiritually and initiate individual growth.

Now here comes what Sorry to Bother You meant to me: It provides a solution that says giving up things causes intimacy. A popular quote states, “People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos, is because things are being loved and people are being used.” The priority of industries should help people; thus, we must kindly give our two cents to those running the puppet strings of their employees who right now are just beating dead horses.
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1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
DrBlahBlahAug 14, 2018
One of the most original and socially relevant films in years, this is the first great movie of 2018. (Sorry, Black Panther...) The writing is entertaining, insightful and thrilling, and the playful visuals only enhance the surreality of thisOne of the most original and socially relevant films in years, this is the first great movie of 2018. (Sorry, Black Panther...) The writing is entertaining, insightful and thrilling, and the playful visuals only enhance the surreality of this all-too-realistic world. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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7
QLA92Jul 26, 2018
The performances are uniformly strong, the story bursts with originality and the script is provocative and hilarious, but this social commentary loses some of its persuasive power as the plot shifts from relatable to ridiculous.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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8
eberman123Jul 23, 2018
Well made movie with an important, poignant social commentary. It is also very different in a good way. Reccommended.
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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8
LatinCritic13Aug 13, 2018
Directed by Cali Rapper Boots Riley and his film called Sorry to Bother You is a movie that will make you laugh and even trip of how genuinely clever and weird of what’s going on in the real world using his satirical approach to mock today’sDirected by Cali Rapper Boots Riley and his film called Sorry to Bother You is a movie that will make you laugh and even trip of how genuinely clever and weird of what’s going on in the real world using his satirical approach to mock today’s climate. The acting, directing, and writing of this film pleased all around film is what made it so satisfying for most general audience members to remember and I had to say that it’s probably in the same psychological level as mother! & Get Out combined but taking aim at hostile work environments. Definitely worth seeing it! Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
justwibiOct 16, 2018
FUNNY! Original, Ensemble cast, what a weird story that tells a lot of things!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
AcolapreteJul 14, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While its a very well executed picture, the ideas are not novel by any means, and it only manages retreads the same lines as other European directors (such as Godard) in a much more American friendly way. The plot "twist" was obvious, not the content itself but its very existence, i.e., the slow discovery of "the horror" a-la heart of darkness at the center of the film's core concepts. In other respects, the troubling ways it romanticizes political violence could be ignored safely if they were used only as narrative action, but instead they are presented as the only feasible solution to this problem, with even the strong suggestion of the proletariat literally killing their capitalist masters. Its good that Americans are finally being introduced to Marxism in popular culture, but not in such a heavily ideologically driven way, and it would've benefited the film to be closer to Das Kapital rather than the Communist Manifesto. Magical Realism, Absurdism, and surrealism have their place, but not in this day and age, with this subject matter. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
2livinlifeOct 11, 2018
I absolutely loved this movie. It was original, quirky, frightening, funny, unexpected, and thought-provoking. Cinema at it's best.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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7
LegendaryLassDec 14, 2018
Starting from a really great and original premise, the film is a competent and bitingly satirical look at race relations in corporate America and the art world, even if it doesn't quite stick the landing.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
BrianMcCriticNov 4, 2018
A film that is bananas in all the right ways. Outside the message of the film the originality that comes with it is the type of chances Hollywood should take. Not perfect but I'm a big fan. High 8 an A-
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
MATMMar 5, 2022
"Sorry to Bother You" is absolutely insane in all the best ways. If you can go in without spoilers, you will be in for a true roller coaster of a ride. It has a positive message and does it in an entertaining way. I give it a B, next time"Sorry to Bother You" is absolutely insane in all the best ways. If you can go in without spoilers, you will be in for a true roller coaster of a ride. It has a positive message and does it in an entertaining way. I give it a B, next time you’re in the mood for a movie, this one won’t disappoint. Expand
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8
bfoore90Nov 6, 2019
An odd film, it has good commentary on greed and capitalism though the film is clearly not for everyone
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10
tarasanagelAug 6, 2018
Great Social Commentary. Hits on so many problems in America today, notice the guy living in his car, brushing his teeth in the side mirror. The game show in the movie makes me think of the new one coming out in real life, where young peopleGreat Social Commentary. Hits on so many problems in America today, notice the guy living in his car, brushing his teeth in the side mirror. The game show in the movie makes me think of the new one coming out in real life, where young people can get their student loans paid off if they win. I thought of it as the Poverty Olympics. Also shows the reality of private prisons as a pipeline for slavery.This is not a slapstick or regular comedy, there is a distinct message, Anti-Capitalism. Expand
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9
MrNononoApr 5, 2019
Don't watch it if you don't get absurdity Don't watch it if you want a typical 'HAHA sex joke!' American comedy
Don't watch it if you don't like unpolished debuts
Don't watch it if you want to stay in you bubble This movie is a combination
Don't watch it if you don't get absurdity Don't watch it if you want a typical 'HAHA sex joke!' American comedy
Don't watch it if you don't like unpolished debuts
Don't watch it if you want to stay in you bubble

This movie is a combination of The Lobster's weird existential philosophy, the cinematics and vibe of Atlanta (Donald Glover) and the critical views on society of Spike Lee. The dark, twisted humor makes it easy to watch as well. This movie is the surprise of 2018, considering it's just the debut of the director/main actor.
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8
LegitSaltApr 17, 2020
This movie is quite the trip, taking Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) and the audience on a crazy rollercoaster of a ride into a world that is more sci-fi than may initially let on. At first glimpse, Sorry to Bother You is a film about a manThis movie is quite the trip, taking Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) and the audience on a crazy rollercoaster of a ride into a world that is more sci-fi than may initially let on. At first glimpse, Sorry to Bother You is a film about a man who, through the combination of getting lucky and hard work, manages to reach the American Dream. However, the film's message is about the opposite, something that we find out after Cassius “makes it” to the top. Cassius has achieved class mobility but at the expense of his former coworker’s wellbeing and his integrity. Cassius didn’t cheat the system, he played into it. Sorry to Bother You manages to say some important things about late-stage capitalism, racism and the unseen havoc which both wreak. Capitalism and the associated systems are so integral to the movie's messages and content that the main character's name is a description of the currency within the system, i.e. Cash Is Green. If one wants to understand Leftist discourse, this movie certainly is greatly essential. Sorry to Bother You is a cautionary tale, a comedy, and most importantly a seething satire. Expand
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8
GrantD243Jul 20, 2018
Sorry to Bother You is a comedy that has what I thought would be a fairly unimaginative premise: a black guy starts using a white voice at his telemarketer job and starts landing lots of sales. Is there potential for laughs in this premise?Sorry to Bother You is a comedy that has what I thought would be a fairly unimaginative premise: a black guy starts using a white voice at his telemarketer job and starts landing lots of sales. Is there potential for laughs in this premise? Yes, but I can't say my expectations were very high past that. However, I was very, very surprised by this film. There is a fair bit of office comedy and at times it feels like an episode of Atlanta, but there is also a lot of clever social commentary in here that also makes you laugh. And, frankly, I think that's the best way to fit social commentary into a film. Expect to spend a decent portion of the film trying to figure out exactly how this film it going to end, because it really takes an interesting, and weird, turn towards the end of the story. I can't divulge too much information about it without getting into spoilers, but it's a twist I didn't see coming and I was very satisfied with it. However, this film is not for everyone. The humor won't land with everyone, and how weird the story gets will certainly put some people off. There is also a lot of adult content in here so, uh, don't bring your kids. Overall, this film takes a lot of risks and not all of them work out, but I really enjoyed what the team behind Sorry to Bother You was able to accomplish. It has a fun, weird, and unpredictable story with interesting characters and an equally intriguing world. Expand
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7
cameronhalmansOct 3, 2018
Sorry to Bother You is an extremely odd commentary on capitalism and the way people handle their urges of greed and selfishness. Sometimes we only care when things happen to us. Just wish this film did more with what it was throwing at theSorry to Bother You is an extremely odd commentary on capitalism and the way people handle their urges of greed and selfishness. Sometimes we only care when things happen to us. Just wish this film did more with what it was throwing at the audience. The color pallets were incredible, definitely a well shot film that I can appreciate. Very original 79/100 Expand
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7
Bertaut1Dec 22, 2018
A sharp satire that runs a little too long and takes a bizarre left-turn that will alienate many

A paean to the proletariat. A pro-union battle cry. An ideological evisceration of late capitalism. A deconstruction of corporate greed and the
A sharp satire that runs a little too long and takes a bizarre left-turn that will alienate many

A paean to the proletariat. A pro-union battle cry. An ideological evisceration of late capitalism. A deconstruction of corporate greed and the concomitant commercialisation of self-worth. A critique of identity politics. An allegory of institutional racism in big business. A lampooning of Silicon Valley bro culture. Sorry to Bother You, the debut feature of writer/director Boots Riley, is all this, and more. A black comedy/Juvenalian satire/science fiction/horror/magic realist/allegorical character study, it's impossible to classify, examining labour relations, wage issues, worker solidarity, unionism, mass media, and the dangers of weighing corporate advancement against personal integrity. Although the bizarre left-turn at the end of the second act will surely alienate many, the deconstruction and comic appropriation of code-switching results in a film that is constantly inventive, highly confrontational, and extremely funny.

Set in Oakland in an "alternate present", Cash Green (LaKeith Stanfield) is a telemarketer working for RegalView, who, upon discovering his "white voice", rises to the top of the company's food chain. Gradually, however, he learns that RegalView is selling slave labour to WorryFree, a company which offers food and lodging in exchange for a lifetime labour contract with no wages. Torn between exposing WorryFree and his substantial earnings, Cash's dilemma is exacerbated when WorryFree CEO, Steve Lift (a spectacular Armie Hammer) offers him a $1 million a year contract.

At its heart, Sorry to Bother is an anti-corporate, proletarian rally cry, something with which Riley has been engaged for decades as lead vocalist for The Coup and Sweet Sweeper Social Club.

One of the easiest ways to parse the film is to approach it as a parable about selling out, equal parts polemic and acknowledgement that it's next to impossible not to sell out in some way. RegalView and WorryFree exist in an economic system built upon impoverishing the many for the benefit of the few, with Riley exposing the importance of a poverty line for the continued functioning of late capitalism. Within such a system, he suggests, it's exceptionally difficult for African Americans to succeed unless they are willing to code-switch. In this sense, although the concept of "white voice" does have a practical function within the narrative, its most salient characteristic is as an object of allegorical satire, a hyperbolic caricature of what African Americans need to do to survive in the Caucasian bro-culture corporate ranks of Silicon Valley.

An especially interesting aesthetic device is how white voice is handled - rather than having the actors simply speak in a different voice, Riley instead has the actors' voices overdubbed. However, the lip syncing is, presumably intentionally, far from perfect, with the voice not quite aligning with the actors' mouths. This throws the scenes "off" ever so slightly, creating an extra layer of surreality, and highlighting just how absurd the whole thing is, drawing attention to the lengths these people have to go to achieve real success.

The film's other big aesthetic innovation is having Cash plunge (not especially gracefully) into the living room of the people he calls, desk and all. Obviously, this draws attention to the level of intrusion with which most people greet telemarketers, but, at least in the early stages, it also highlights Cash's own discomfit at being the intruder, seen most clearly when he drops in on a couple having sex.

Of course, it isn't all perfect. The wildly unexpected plot twist at the end of the second act will be too much for some people. There's also a mid-credit scene that serves as a kind of epilogue that I believe was a re-shoot when test audiences found the initial ending too abrupt. For me, however, it doesn't entirely work, and I would have much preferred the original, darker, ending.

Sorry to Bother You is as timely and relevant as it is funny and irreverent. Exploring the intersection between race and economics from a satirical point-of-view, the film both condemns and sympathises with those who choose to sell-out in some way so as to climb the ladder of success. Now in his late-40s, Riley is a veteran political protestor, a Chomsky-literate agitator, who is here positing that the most significant divide in the US isn't between white and black, it's between those with money and those without. Suggesting that the desire to cross this divide can lead to a herd mentality, the film argues that the labour force must never forget their collective strength, and must never turn on one another, as in such a situation, management will use workers like horses.
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9
Slovenly_MuseAug 14, 2018
I've heard a lot of criticism that this movie tries to tackle too many different ideas and comes out a mess. I disagree! Boots Riley is demonstrating how many overwhelming, pervasive, disparate-seeming problems in our society actually stemI've heard a lot of criticism that this movie tries to tackle too many different ideas and comes out a mess. I disagree! Boots Riley is demonstrating how many overwhelming, pervasive, disparate-seeming problems in our society actually stem from the same fixable root. It's weird and wonderful, and even its most bizarre twists remain laser-focused on the underlying truth of the worker/employer relationship. This film is disturbing and inspiring, and unlike many films which aim for social commentary, offers actual solutions. Expand
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7
movieducationOct 26, 2018
SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, hard sell material sold right ! Aggresive, riotous, stylish, unashamedly using extreme presentation to convey message so you can't resist it. When it comes to science fiction territory, it will not hold any horses !
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10
hankwmardukasNov 28, 2018
Sorry to Bother You is a fresh, funny and darkly insightful movie set in dystopian Oakland. Perhaps my favorite actor in the business right now, Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out, Death Note), stars as a young man named Cassius. In need of a job, heSorry to Bother You is a fresh, funny and darkly insightful movie set in dystopian Oakland. Perhaps my favorite actor in the business right now, Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out, Death Note), stars as a young man named Cassius. In need of a job, he takes one at a bizarre telemarketing company where if he uses his “white voice” he’ll climb the corporate ladder. While similar thematically to Get Out, I contend Sorry To Bother You is a more thought provoking social commentary. While the movie has the typical hiccups of debut features, first-time writer and director Boots Riley does a fantastic job and clearly has a unique vision that I’m excited to see develop. Expand
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8
DrSancochoJan 10, 2019
The first act is hilarious, the second convoluted, and the third... well it is a beast of its own. The best satire of the year, and remember "stick to the script".
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10
cashalmeidaJan 9, 2019
this is a insane/the best movie of 2018, i really love the story, the characters, the crazy abou everything here
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9
NoahPfisterFeb 27, 2019
Ima make this short, sweet, and to the point. Sorry to Bother You is one of the most original and imaginative movies to be released within the millennia. I know that sounds like a hyperbolic statement, but it's true. 100%. WhatIma make this short, sweet, and to the point. Sorry to Bother You is one of the most original and imaginative movies to be released within the millennia. I know that sounds like a hyperbolic statement, but it's true. 100%. What writer/director, Boots Riley, delivers is a darkly comedic, social commentary for the ages that will you leave you laughing and thinking all the way through. EVERY performance here is worthy of an award; even David Cross and Patton Oswalt who only deliver voice over work. Lakeith is proving why more movies need him in it as he plays a down on his luck telemarketer who gets way over his head way too quickly. Tessa is...well, Tessa...so, good. Armie Hammer is... interesting. That's all I'm gonna say. So in the end, we are left with a movie that's so original and so rewatchable that you won't be able to stop watching it and watching it again. It's worth your money. Expand
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8
ceejay_03Jul 28, 2019
How the movie’s plot was presented looked very, very unique. The performances from the actors were all really great. This movie is very entertaining, and even if the third act was kind of a let down, it doesn’t change the fact that I had aHow the movie’s plot was presented looked very, very unique. The performances from the actors were all really great. This movie is very entertaining, and even if the third act was kind of a let down, it doesn’t change the fact that I had a blast watching this movie. Expand
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7
gadapaMar 7, 2020
As I was watching this film, I felt as if I was in an alternate reality box being jostled about. The movie succeeds in creating a one-of-a-kind personality that's grounded enough to make its characters and themes resonant, yet bizarre andAs I was watching this film, I felt as if I was in an alternate reality box being jostled about. The movie succeeds in creating a one-of-a-kind personality that's grounded enough to make its characters and themes resonant, yet bizarre and outlandish enough to hold attention and affix the movie firmly in memory. It only suffers from being too amplified in its own eccentricity such that it becomes niche and unrelatable, and from not easing into the deep end that is the last act of this film. It's certainly worth watching for its idiosyncratic vibe alone, but some caution is warranted for the wildness of the ride. Expand
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10
maurivalcApr 25, 2020
Takes you for a ride, this movie is one of my favorites. Sure to be a classic.
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10
ItsMikeMcCallJun 23, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An unexpected slam dunk of a film, Brilliant. I went in expecting a very light hearted comedy and was met with something much more than I expected. Expand
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9
OlavLNov 10, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is insane. So **** insane, it's almost hard to take it seriously. At the end of the film, when the day is saved by a bunch of naked horse-people, I was sitting in my couch thinking about what the **** I just witnessed. Its definitely a good movie, well acted, well scored, and **** amazingly shot. But the story is just so bizarre, I almost didn't know if the film was really over when the credits rolled. There are some great scenes, many that pack a punch and a few with something profound to say about societal issues. But they are almost choked to death under a heap of insane. It's a very good movie, with some great aspects, but the clashing between the clinically insane scenes and the more political ones gave me some tonal whiplash. Expand
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8
SuperbaDMIkeJun 17, 2022
This movie overall is weird, confusing, and great all at the same time which makes Sorry To Bother You a different movie I've watched to enjoy for me.
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8
Richard552Aug 16, 2022
It puts you right in the spot when it wishes to tickle you and pulls you back right when it wants you to take things seriously.$1 to buy a Netflix account, Google search: vtvshare
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