The American Society of Magical Negroes cleverly satirizes a film trope first criticized by filmmaker Spike Lee. A "magical negro" is a stereotypical Black supporting character who exists solely to aid a white protagonist. Forrest Gump, The Green Mile, and The Legend of Bagger Vance are well-known examples. Writer/director Kobi Libii, also an accomplished actor, takes aim at Hollywood and American culture in general with a humorous and romantic twist.

Justice Smith stars as Aren, a struggling Black yarn artist. Yup - you read that right. He defers to a white man who mistakes him for a server. Roger, played by the superb David Alan Grier, witnesses this interaction. He invites Aren to join The American Society of Magical Negroes, a secret organization that has existed since Jefferson was president. Their goal: alleviating white tension and discomfort to prevent Black people from getting hurt.

An-Li Bogan, in her film debut,...