When her politically-charged and politically-divisive brother Jeremiah (Al Warren) dies, social media influencer Antigone Corday (Betsey Brown) finds herself pulled into a series of conspiracy theories–ones that could potentially end her life. Caviar is Antigone’s journey into the unknown, into far away political pockets that put not only her at risk, but the rest of the American people as well. She must find ways to uncover the truth before it’s too late–before all that her brother worked toward is for naught.
DISCLAIMER: Caviar is a political satire, one which pokes fun at the entire political spectrum, refusing to adhere to what is expected in this regard. Everything you see and hear is both the absolute truth and a complete lie. Form your own opinions.
Caviar takes viewers on a journey that I never believed could exist in cinema. I’ve seen the many films bashing the right, telling the world how horrible conservatives are, and attempting to convert people on their political views–but I’ve never seen one that bashes liberals. With the state of the country the way that it is, I’m genuinely surprised that Writer-Director Jacob Michael King was willing to take this risk. Let’s be clear: Caviar doesn’t only speak out against the left, as the film is clear on its stance regarding Donald Trump and some other Republicans–but the stance he takes is risky regardless. Regardless of my political views, it’s something of a breath of fresh air knowing that there are filmmakers out there willing to take such a massive risk, to shake things up, and to be honest and true to himself.
I’m not sure that you have to agree with King’s political views–but as a fan of cinema, it’s enough to know that Caviar is art in the rawest form. That’s enough for some cinephiles–and it’s good enough for me.
This film plays with reality, and King creates a narrative that includes things that feel like impossibilities (at least we’d like to think they are impossible). The imagination of King to be able to come up with these wild ideas is impressive, as he drafts something that is layered, a bit convoluted, and more–but it’s easy enough to understand. There’s an incredible juxtaposition throughout Caviar in this regard. While the film continues to develop over time, as it continues to add more depth, it always remains easy enough to access.
That happens, in part, due to King’s writing–but it’s also because of Brown’s ability to remain simplistic, accessible, and honest throughout the duration of the film. She’s effectively the glue that holds Caviar together, that allows the film to be understood from beginning to end–and she’s nearly flawless throughout.
Caviar runs the risk of having everyone who is a part of it canceled. It’s bold, it’s dripping with passion, and it’s hilarious. Caviar throws Hilary Clinton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Anthony Fauci, and others into the gauntlet of conspiracy theories, diluting their worth, and questioning all that they stand for. This is a massive risk for King and for everyone who plays a role in creating this film–but I think it’s worth the risk. To be so bold, to be unwilling to conform to the cinematic and societal norms of the time is incredible–and that’s what King is saying here. He’s telling the world to make up their own minds, to be themselves, and to refuse to let others influence what you believe.
Written & Directed by Jacob Michael King.
Starring Betsey Brown, Al Warren, Aaron Pruner, James Healy Jr., Jacob Michael King, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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