They Cloned Tyrone is a gripping urban drama that turns unexpectedly into the surreal, filled with wild twists and turns.
The story follows Fontaine, a brooding drug dealer living in The Glen, who becomes embroiled in a mysterious and surreal situation. What starts as a gritty urban drama takes an unexpected turn when Fontaine is shot and killed. However, she wakes up the next day as if nothing happened. Seemingly resurrected, those around him, including the pimp Slick Charles and Yo-Yo, are baffled. In an effort to figure out what's going on, they reluctantly join him on an investigation. As they delve deeper into the mystery, the film balances comedy and drama, with the trio navigating through tense and humorous moments. The trio embark on an investigation that uncovers unimaginable and horrifying forces beneath their community. Their eventual transformation into unlikely heroes is driven by the desire to disrupt the oppression and the conspiracy!
However, as Fontaine gets closer to unraveling the nefarious activities in The Glen, the plot struggles to maintain tension and coherence. The unevenness is partly due to excessive comedic relief and exposition. The myriad of plot twists, mostly unpredictable, will ensure you never lose attention. Its Grindhouse-style film grain contributes to the immersive experience, along with a constant foggy atmosphere. The film draws comparisons to "Get Out," "Sorry to Bother You," in both cinematography and story elements, but it is impressive on its own. It forges its own path by weaving references to various movies, like "Hollow Man" and "Foxy Brown," into its well-written comical dialogue.
They Cloned Tyrone's authentic audio/visuals craft an alternative present-day universe, embracing and celebrating its Black identity from the start. The setting is adorned with flashy 1970s cars, tube TVs, and 'Hotbox Fried Chicken' chains, contributing to the distinct vibe. The fashion is captivating as well, particularly with Slick Charles' Oscar-worthy collection of jackets. The funky and bass-heavy soundtrack by Pierre Charles & Desmond Murray perfectly complements the carefully selected soundtrack featuring popular tracks from artists like Erykah Badu, Bootsy Collins, and Diana Ross.
The film's greatest asset is its three charming performers. Jamie Foxx's character, Slick Charles, is a riot with his rapid-fire one-liners and occasional vulnerable moments. His dynamic with Teyonah Parris, who portrays the intelligent and strong-willed Yo-Yo, is delightful and unpredictable. John Boyega's portrayal of Fontaine, initially a man of few words but a lot of attitude, is physically intimidating. He conveys emotions without speaking. His accent work, particularly in the film's conclusion, is so convincing that one could mistake him for an American. Throughout the film, the script is consistently inventive and funny, which is especially helpful during the film's banter-heavy first hour.
There are fascinating underlying themes about community and predetermined roles told through black mirror-esque sci-fi. Hints at hidden forces undermining the Black community through various means like food, religion, and beauty products. However, they could have been further explored without explanation monologues. In that respect, it feels like a Netflix original film. However, other themes are portrayed with more nuance. A Black character who says the phrase "assimilation is better to annihilation," reveals how the film delves into various topical themes like passing, self-hatred, and skepticism towards institutional figures like the police, doctors, and scientists.
They Cloned Tyrone is a gripping urban drama that skillfully weaves into the surreal, offering wild twists and turns that keep audiences captivated. The film's long climax, partly involving an exposition dump scene with a menacing villain played by Kiefer Sutherland, felt rushed and traditional compared to the more engaging first hour. While some elements struggle to maintain tension and coherence, the film's Grindhouse-style visuals and well-curated soundtrack add to its immersive experience. The outstanding performances of Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, and John Boyega infuse the story with charm and depth. Despite a few shortcomings, the film stands on its own, offering an original and promising debut from director Juel Taylor.
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