Am I Racist? (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
In the ever-evolving landscape of political documentaries, Am I Racist? (2024) from the Daily Wire attempts to delve into one of America’s most controversial issues: systemic racism and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement. Directed by Justin Folk and starring Matt Walsh, this mockumentary employs satire and social experiments to question the narratives surrounding anti-racism. However, its biting humor and controversial stance make it a polarizing watch. In this review, we’ll examine the key aspects of the film and explore where viewers can expect to stream it in the near future.
Plot Summary and Overview
Am I Racist? follows conservative commentator and satirist Matt Walsh as he embarks on a journey to become an “anti-racist” white man, fully immersing himself in the world of DEI training. Disguised as an eager DEI trainee, Walsh infiltrates anti-racism workshops, conducts interviews with DEI experts, and participates in events centered around racial identity and systemic inequality. His goal? To expose, in a satirical manner, what he sees as the absurdity and contradictions in modern DEI practices.
Throughout the film, Walsh engages with several prominent figures in the anti-racism movement, including Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, a well-known book on racism and white privilege. Walsh’s encounters with these experts reveal the financial incentives and ideological dogma driving the DEI industry. The film juxtaposes his often awkward interactions with his deadpan delivery of seemingly innocent yet provocative questions, further amplifying the absurdity he seeks to expose.
The film is not a traditional documentary, but rather a Borat-style mockumentary, complete with awkward silences, exaggerated responses, and comedic moments. Walsh portrays himself as a clueless but eager-to-learn DEI consultant, earning laughs as he navigates the over-the-top rhetoric and performative aspects of the anti-racist movement.
Themes and Satirical Commentary
At its core, Am I Racist? critiques what Walsh and the Daily Wire label as “race hustlers” and the commodification of racial guilt. The movie critiques the DEI industry’s growing influence in corporate America and educational institutions, portraying it as a tool used to shame white people into conforming to a radical left-wing ideology.
Walsh’s signature deadpan humor serves as a vehicle for a larger political statement, casting doubt on the validity of systemic racism and framing DEI consultants as opportunists who profit from racial divisions. However, this narrative is controversial, as it pushes back against widely accepted ideas about institutional racism and the need for racial equity initiatives.
Despite its comedic tone, Am I Racist? touches on deeper societal issues, such as identity politics, race relations, and political polarization in the U.S. The film argues that the DEI movement perpetuates division rather than fostering unity, and that labeling all white people as inherently racist undermines genuine efforts to combat racism.
The Production Team
One aspect that stands out is the high production value of Am I Racist?. Director Justin Folk, who worked on visual effects for major films like The Matrix Reloaded, brings a polished, professional aesthetic to the film. This is not just a low-budget, conservative documentary—it’s a cinematic piece designed to appeal to mainstream audiences. Produced by Dallas Sonnier and executive produced by Ben Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing, Am I Racist? represents the Daily Wire’s first wide theatrical release, marking the company’s ambition to create impactful, commercially viable content that appeals to conservative audiences.
Reception and Controversy
Am I Racist? has been met with mixed reviews, largely reflecting the ideological divide in America. Fans of the Daily Wire and conservative commentators have praised the film for its humor, biting critique, and willingness to challenge mainstream narratives. On the other hand, critics from left-leaning circles have condemned the film for trivializing racism and promoting harmful stereotypes about anti-racism advocates.
In particular, the film’s portrayal of prominent figures like Robin DiAngelo has sparked debate, with some accusing Walsh of misrepresenting DEI initiatives and downplaying the realities of systemic racism. While the film may resonate with those skeptical of the DEI industry, it is unlikely to change the minds of viewers who believe in the importance of racial equity efforts.
Where to Watch Am I Racist?
As of September 2024, Am I Racist? is still playing in theaters across the United States. The film was released in 1,510 theaters nationwide, marking the Daily Wire’s most ambitious theatrical release to date.
For those unable to catch the film in theaters, there’s good news. Based on the Daily Wire’s previous documentary releases, it is likely that Am I Racist? will be available for streaming on DailyWire+, the company’s subscription-based streaming service. Additionally, the film may become available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu, though no official release date for these platforms has been announced yet.
Streaming Platforms:
- DailyWire+: Expected to be the exclusive streaming platform for Am I Racist? given the company’s previous track record.
- Amazon Prime Video: Likely to offer rental and purchase options once the film concludes its theatrical run.
- iTunes & Google Play: Digital purchase and rental could become available soon after the initial streaming release.
- Vudu: Another potential platform for digital rentals and purchases.
Conclusion
Am I Racist? (2024) is a bold and controversial film that will no doubt continue to provoke discussion in America’s cultural and political landscape. Whether you view the film as a satirical masterpiece or a misguided attack on anti-racism efforts, there’s no denying that Am I Racist? has made its mark as a unique entry in the growing genre of conservative documentaries.
For those interested in conservative satire or critiques of DEI, Am I Racist? provides an entertaining and provocative watch. Keep an eye out for its streaming release on DailyWire+ and other platforms soon.
