Supreme

The film Supreme is a satirical comedy-drama that explores the current economic situation through the eyes of a working-class American. The story begins in Los Angeles, where we meet our protagonist, a 28-year-old man named Paul. Paul struggles to make ends meet as a nurse, often going to work in tattered shoes and barely able to afford his medication. One day, Paul's credit card is declined, and he finds himself in a difficult situation. The film sets out to highlight the frustration and struggle that middle-class Americans face on a daily basis, from affordable housing and healthcare to basic expenses like buying groceries. Paul goes to buy a sandwich, but the only option he has left is a meal from the dollar menu or to go to the food bank. As the story progresses, we are shown the various ways in which the American dream has become an unattainable goal for many. Paul lives on the breadline, yet his employer classifies him as middle class. He qualifies for Medicaid but can't afford the copay. The film gently satirizes the socioeconomic ills plaguing America, poking fun at the politics and marketing that perpetuate the myth of the middle class. Throughout the film, Paul talks to a video producer, Natalie, and an elderly neighbor, Bill. These conversations serve as a springboard for the narrative to delve deeper into social issues like income inequality, stagnant wage growth, and the increasing burden of debt. The characters challenge their own assumptions, and in doing so, highlight the absurdities of a capitalist system in which employees can be exploited for their labor and profit. The film serves as a scathing critique of contemporary American society, grappling with issues that affect the working class on both a micro and macro scale. Rather than placing blame, Supreme encourages viewers to examine the root causes of the nation's economic disparities and how systemic change can be implemented. With a stark, unflinching portrayal of the trials faced by middle-class individuals, the movie offers a candid look at the tension between an ever-widening wealth gap and the country's ideal of meritocracy. Paul makes some difficult choices in his quest to get by, including working multiple jobs, neglecting his health, and occasionally taking drastic measures to scrape by. However, the choices are not about personal failing but about survival in a society that structurally denies access to fair pay and ample opportunities for a living wage. Despite his difficult circumstances, Paul remains connected with his community. When Bill helps Paul fix his broken refrigerator, the interactions showcase moments of warmth, love, and mutual aid that temper the narrative's overall bleakness. The presence of Bill and Natalie humanizes a cinematic universe initially built around the backdrop of wretched misfortune. It's these little moments of collective kindness that bridge the long stretches between periods of despair. Ultimately, Supreme serves as a powerful commentary on American society and our values as a nation. The film offers no magical solutions or easy answers to economic struggles. However, it challenges viewers to rethink about what equitable access to basic needs should and do look like.