Burgers, Rebellion, and Battling Capitalism in Boots Riley’s New Project (“Sorry to Bother You”)
Boots Riley, celebrated for his audacious debut film “Sorry to Bother You,” returns with a vengeance, amplifying his critique of capitalist society in the new series “I’m a Virgo.” This seven-part show on Prime Video bursts with uncontainable, almost revolutionary energy, showcasing Riley’s signature blend of absurdity and striking cinematic language, all while championing civil activism. As one scene proclaims, “All art is propaganda,” a sentiment Riley, a self-proclaimed communist, embraces wholeheartedly, leading a protest movement backed by a multitude of examples.
The Story of Cootie
At the heart of the narrative is 19-year-old Cootie (Jharrel Jerome), a young man residing in Oakland, California, with a unique trait: he stands a staggering four meters tall. Hidden from the world since childhood, Cootie’s sheltered existence takes a dramatic turn when he finally ventures into the outside world, prompting him to re-evaluate his understanding of reality and discover his true calling.
Jharrel Jerome as Cootie in “I’m a Virgo”
Cootie’s Upbringing and Awakening
Cootie’s early life is marked by the challenges of his extraordinary size. His aunt and uncle (Carmen Ejogo, Mike Epps), fearing societal judgment, keep him confined indoors, shielding him from even the allure of Big Bang Burger, a popular fast-food chain. Cootie’s world is shaped by comic books and commercials, which form his perception of the world. His idol is the justice-seeking Hero (Walton Goggins), reminiscent of a deranged Robocop. As a Virgo, Cootie finds guidance in his horoscope. The typical Virgo persistence gradually frees Cootie from his parents’ control, introducing him to local activists and Flora (Olivia Washington), a burger joint employee with her own extraordinary abilities.
Brett Gray as Felix in “I’m a Virgo”
Social Commentary and Satire
Riley and his co-writers paint a vivid picture of a world steeped in violence, corruption, and injustice towards the Black community and the working class. Ironically using Amazon as a platform, the series doesn’t just hint at the importance of collective action; it screams it, enlisting a literal giant as its champion. Cootie eventually realizes that the coveted burgers are repulsive and that the Virgo horoscope is a generic template for all zodiac signs. As foretold, Cootie is perceived as a threat, transformed into a totem, demonized, and idolized simultaneously. Society, cults, and even Hero himself (a satirical blend of 1980s action protagonists) attempt to halt Cootie’s journey of self-discovery. The law enforcer constructs a prison befitting Cootie’s size, terrorizing dissenters while concealing his own secrets and yearning for love.
Jharrel Jerome as Cootie in “I’m a Virgo”
Performances and Themes
Emmy winner Jharrel Jerome (“When They See Us”) imbues Cootie with naive optimism and fierce determination. After years of minor roles, Goggins delivers a flamboyant performance as the antagonist (he will soon star in “Fallout” from the same Prime Video). While some scenes are heavy-handed with ideological messaging and social commentary, potentially tiring the audience, not all plot lines are fully resolved, suggesting Riley’s hopes for a second season to tie up loose ends.
“I’m a Virgo” doesn’t shy away from blatant metaphors for social injustice and life in a police state, conveying the horror of reality, tracing the path of a Black man in a white world, and rejecting the pervasive nihilism of those around him. Eschewing moralizing platitudes, “I’m a Virgo” captivates with its satirical depiction of a dying world and advocates for radical compassion, a path forged through the heart and resistance against the odds. Like Atlas, Cootie awakens, straightens his shoulders, emerges from his own shadow, and, to the rhythm of the groove, sets out to defend his right to exist in the world.