Black escalades in a dimly lit street. An elevator that only goes underground. A fried chicken obsessed community. These are just a few of the strange happenings plaguing The Glen in Juel Taylor’s ‘They Cloned Tyrone’, available on Netflix. Being that they’re happening in a place no one cares about, there’s no investigation to speak of. Except for John Boyega’s Fontaine, Jamie Foxx’s Slick Charles, and Teyonah Parris’ Yo Yo.

The mysterious plot unearthed in ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ is surreal and hilarious. The movie is a dark comedy that’s steeped in the absurd while still maintaining a grip on reality. By not leaning too far afield, ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ manages to keep its humour constant, while never losing its dramatic impact.

The draw is with the film’s main trio. The weird and whimsical things they come across are punctuated by them taking it all in. John Boyega plays the rugged stoic with understated pathos. Teyonah Parris has the radical indignation as the world is falling apart. Jamie Foxx reminds the world why he’s the ultimate performer.

As a cast, they’re well balanced and it takes true skill to pull off dialogue like this. ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ has a way with words that makes almost every scene a brain busting laugh riot. In a way, being engaged with the film’s humour is essential, just to follow along as the movie throws sci-fi concepts at you with little regard for explanation.

Underneath it all is the movie’s message. The film deals with issues plaguing a disenfranchised community and advocates for their empowerment in the face of institutional apathy. It makes heroes out of society’s losers and laughs in the face of overwhelming oppressive obstacles. 

First the film makes you laugh, then it makes you think. ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ is very silly. Like all good satire, that’s just why it works so well. It’s a sleeper hit that could very well be one of the year’s best.

Rating: Big Screen Watch

Note: While I appreciate you reading this review, movies are still incredibly subjective. If you think you might enjoy yourself, I encourage everyone to support the cinema industry as much as they can. Stay safe, and remember, life’s too short for bad movies.