Keke Palmer Shines in Boots Riley’s Absurdist New Film ‘I Love Boosters’

The Return of Boots Riley’s Surrealism

Back in 2018, director Boots Riley shook the cinematic world with Sorry to Bother You, a biting satire that blended racial commentary with absolute absurdity. Now, Riley returns with a new project that is just as brash and unapologetically militant: I Love Boosters. Starring the irresistibly charming Keke Palmer, the film refuses to play by the rules of conventional storytelling, opting instead for a “gonzo” approach to political agitprop.

Keke Palmer: The Heart of the Velvet Gang

At the centre of the chaos is Corvette, played by Keke Palmer. Corvette is the leader of a group of “boosters”—essentially Robin Hood-style thieves who target the ultra-wealthy fashion industry. Their mission? To liberate designer clothes from high-end retail stores and redistribute them (or pawn them) for the community.

Palmer brings a magnetic energy to the role, portraying Corvette as a scrappy entrepreneur who treats shoplifting as a form of “fast fashion philanthropy.” Whether she is waddling out of a store in a pink plush jumpsuit stuffed with stolen goods or navigating the complexities of class struggle, Palmer ensures the audience stays invested even when the plot veers into the surreal.

A Bold Critique of Couture Capitalism

The film pits the “Velvet Gang” against the ruthless Christie Smith (played by Demi Moore), a silver-haired vulture capitalist of the haute couture world. Smith is a mirror to the industry’s worst impulses—elitist, cruel, and devoid of ethics. The conflict isn’t just about clothes; it’s a multifaceted international revolt against the exploitation of retail staff and sweatshop labourers.

Riley’s vision is heavily influenced by the French New Wave, specifically drawing parallels to Jean-Luc Godard’s Tout Va Bien. He swaps the streets of Paris for the Bay Area, turning a labour strike into a high-stakes heist movie with a political heartbeat.

What Makes ‘I Love Boosters’ Unique?

• Absurdist Humor: From teleportation devices to surreal visual gags, the film keeps the viewer on their toes.
• Star-Studded Ensemble: Along with Palmer, the film features Taylour Paige, Naomi Ackie, and a sultry return for LaKeith Stanfield.
• Political Edge: The movie uses dialectical materialism and Marxist notions to challenge the viewer’s complacency regarding capitalism.

The Verdict: High Energy, Low Intimacy

While I Love Boosters is a feast of sketch-comedy brilliance and daring ideas, it isn’t without its flaws. The film’s commitment to its political tapestry sometimes comes at the expense of character development. We see the characters as symbols of race and class rather than intimate people, which can make the emotional stakes feel distant when the plot goes haywire.

However, if you are looking for a film that dares to troll the system while delivering genuine laughs and a powerhouse performance by Keke Palmer, this is a must-watch. It is a cinematic act of resistance that welcomes challenge—even from its own audience.

I Love Boosters is scheduled for release in US cinemas on May 22, with further international dates to be announced.