"I Love Boosters" is Another Bold and Fearless Satire From Boots Riley

After what seems like an eternity, the multifaceted Boots Riley finally blesses audiences with his second feature, “I Love Boosters,” from Neon. Riley pens the film’s screenplay, inspired by the titular song by Riley’s group, The Coup.

One thing I can say about Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters” is that it never plays it safe. Whether audiences embrace it or reject it, Riley has crafted a film that feels completely unconcerned with conventional norms. In fact, the filmmaker has already stated that he expects some viewers may not fully grasp what he’s trying to achieve.

After watching “I Love Boosters”, I understand exactly what he means. This film is not interested in holding your hand. It’s bold, chaotic, funny, thought-provoking, and unapologetically weird. More importantly, it’s the kind of film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

Set in a near-future Oakland, the film follows Corvette (Keke Palmer), Sade (Naomi Ackie), and Mariah (Taylour Paige), a trio of hustlers operating their own underground marketplace built on stolen luxury goods. Through their adventures, Riley explores themes of capitalism, consumer culture, class divisions, and the relentless pursuit of status in a society where the odds often feel stacked against ordinary people.

What separates “I Love Boosters” from countless other social satires is that Riley refuses to take the expected route. The opening sequence hooked me immediately. Corvette’s flirtatious encounter at a nightclub suddenly turns into a sales pitch for stolen designer merchandise, setting the tone for a film that keeps audiences on their toes throughout. It’s sharp, funny, awkward, and surprisingly insightful all at once.

As the story unfolds, Riley introduces increasingly surreal ideas, strange technology, eccentric revolutionaries, and visual metaphors that challenge viewers to stay engaged. Not every joke lands with equal impact, but I admired the ambition behind every attempt. Too many films today feel designed by committee, whereas I Love Boosters feels like the product of a filmmaker following his instincts wherever they lead.

The cast deserves enormous credit for helping Riley bring his vision to life. Keke Palmer proves once again why she’s one of the most charismatic performers working today. She commands every scene with confidence, humor, and heart, creating a protagonist worth following, no matter how wild the narrative becomes. Naomi Ackie and Taylour Paige are equally strong, forming a trio whose chemistry helps ground the film’s more outrageous moments.

The supporting cast is also impressive, and part of the fun is discovering how they fit into Riley’s wonderfully strange world. Demi Moore, Will Poulter, and LaKeith Stanfield all make memorable appearances, but revealing their roles would spoil some genuine surprises. Each performer adds another unexpected layer to the story.

Visually, the film is a feast. Riley fills the screen with vibrant colors, inventive camera work, and imaginative transitions that make every frame feel alive. This is the kind of movie that rewards repeat viewings because there’s always something happening in the background that you might have missed the first time around.

Will everyone connect with I Love Boosters? Probably not. Riley is aware of this, and frankly, that’s okay. Great satire isn’t always comfortable, and originality doesn’t always come in neat, easily digestible packages.

Like “Sorry to Bother You” before it, “I Love Boosters” challenges audiences to meet it on its own terms. Those willing to do so will discover one of the year’s most daring, imaginative, and entertaining cinematic experiences.

Grade: B+

“I Love Boosters” is in theaters now