I Love Boosters (SXSW Full Review)

The one thing I can really appreciate about a film festival is its dedication to finding and highlighting great stories. The kind told by truly great storytellers. One of the best storytellers of our lifetime is Boots Riley, someone who can effortlessly blend hyperrealism with grounded, real-world topics. His films deliver important social commentary in the wildest, most imaginative ways possible. He has such a distinct voice as a filmmaker. His signature is unmistakable. You just know you’re watching something special when it’s his work. Boots Riley’s film I Love Boosters was the headlining film for opening night at SXSW, and that’s no small feat. There’s a reason it was chosen for such a spot and it deserves it. Not only is it a perfect choice to open the festival, but it also deserves serious awards consideration when the time comes. I Love Boosters is colorful, powerful, and one of the most communal theater experiences you’ll ever have. It embodies the Bay Area spirit too, showing how the community disrupts corruption, stands together to fight back, and embraces being unapologetically bold. The film oozes energy, personality, and a strong message to the people. It’s a movie you won’t ever forget.

I’ve always believed that a good story is the most important thing in any movie, and the second is a stellar cast. Boots talked about how he creates his characters first, then finds the actors who can truly embody them. From longtime collaborators to new faces, he’s assembled one of the best ensemble casts in recent memory. Everyone in this film gives their all and fully trusts the vision. Special recognition goes to Keke Palmer, who shines as a powerful lead, and Demi Moore, who gives herself completely to her role. These two stand out the most, but every actor brings depth and complexity to their characters. The story about a group of boosters in the Bay Area has never been told like this before. A very interesting concept and then it clicks. It was important for them to find actors that trust the process. I Love Boosters needed a cast that could lose themselves in their roles and breathe life into Boots’s vision. During the Q&A, it was inspiring to hear how he encouraged his actors to explore their interpretations of the characters. That open collaboration led to something beautiful. This movie was born from brilliant, creative minds unafraid to push boundaries and it shows.

I also want to talk about how weird and wonderfully wild this movie is. I Love Boosters honestly defies categorization. It’s a blend of every genre imaginable. Romance, comedy, action, drama, even a touch of horror, which I loved. The film explores hyperrealistic settings and symbolism, while the music pulls you in emotionally, amplifying every beat of the story. The editing feels like a ride through pure imagination, shifting from lighthearted moments to gut-punching emotion at just the right times. It celebrates community, people, and the power of collective action. On paper, a movie like this shouldn’t work, but it absolutely does. As a film nerd, I was gushing. The vibrant set pieces, stunning costumes, sharp editing, and infectious score all come together to create something truly special. Sure, some moments feel out of nowhere, but everything has meaning. You can tell this is the work of a director expressing himself without compromise. It’s not a film for everyone because it’s chaotic and wild, but for those who embrace that energy, it’s an unforgettable story unlike any other.

There’s a lot happening in the world right now that demands attention. We often look to movies for escapism to find hope again. Now imagine a movie that lets you escape while still confronting what we shouldn’t ignore. Boots Riley uses this story to share an urgent message. It shines a light on dark corners of life and reminds us that we need to stand together if we want change. Social commentary in art matters, and this film proves why. Movies have always been lessons in empathy and morality, showing us right from wrong in ways that are relatable. Add in great performances, bold visuals, and a killer soundtrack, and you have something both fun and deeply meaningful. I Love Boosters is a chaotic, creative, and visionary film that says what the world needs to hear. It’s absolutely one to look out for when it hits theaters.

Rating: 88/100

Photos of the premiere: