The American Society of Magical Negroes 2024

The film opens with commentary on the “magical negro”, a character trope often found in stories, typically existing to advance the narrative of a white protagonist. While many perceive this stereotype as merely fictional, there are some who acknowledge its existence in reality.

Aren Mbondo (Justice Smith) is an aspiring artist struggling to achieve recognition within the art community. During a gallery event, he showcases his latest work, a yarn-based creation that unfortunately confounds onlookers while other pieces are eagerly purchased. His boss, Andrea (Gillian Vigman), encourages him to persuade a prominent art collector to invest in his artwork, but the collector mistakes Aren for a waiter. In his timid nature, Aren chooses not to correct the man and takes his used plate and glass instead. Disheartened, Andrea informs Aren that she has canceled his upcoming solo exhibition, citing his inability to assert himself as the reason.

As Aren makes his way home, he encounters a drunken girl struggling with an ATM. She mistakenly thinks her purse has been stolen and asks Aren for help. This leads to a misunderstanding, where her boyfriend and friend perceive Aren as a thief. It is Roger (David Alan Grier), a bartender from the gallery, who steps in and magically returns the purse to its owner. He suggests that the group head to a restaurant he recommends, leaving with Aren afterward.

Roger candidly shares with Aren that he has observed how uncomfortable Aren seems around white individuals. He reveals that he possesses magical abilities as a member of a secretive organization known as The American Society of Magical Negroes. This group strives to help white people feel more comfortable, believing that discomfort can lead to dangerous outcomes. Roger takes Aren to the hidden headquarters of the society, secreted away behind a barbershop, where entry is granted through a pocket watch. The organization is led by a woman named Dede, while another key leader, Gabbard (Aisha Hinds), educates newcomers about various portrayals of magical negroes in storytelling, using parodies of well-known films such as The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Green Mile, and Driving Miss Daisy. They also monitor a “white tears” meter to keep white emotional discomfort at a manageable level.

The next day, Aren commences his role as a Magical Negro at a company called Meetbox, where he is assigned to assist an employee named Jason Mundt (Drew Tarver). While preparing for his first day, Aren accidentally collides with Lizzie (An-Li Bogan), spilling her coffee as he is distracted by a call from Roger. He amiably offers to replace her drink, and they engage in a brief but delightful conversation before he has to leave.

At Meetbox, Aren meets his boss Masterson (Michaela Watkins) and is thrilled to discover that Lizzie works there as well. As Aren spends more time with her, he finds himself developing feelings for Lizzie. However, Jason, referring to Lizzie as his “work wife,” complicates things, as he expresses an unfounded romantic interest in her, igniting Aren’s concern over possibly triggering Jason’s white tears meter.

The situation at Meetbox takes a turn when their facial recognition software fails to identify Black faces, leading to a significant backlash as CEO Mick (Rupert Friend) struggles to manage the public relations disaster. The company’s insensitive “we love black faces!” social media post only worsens the situation. When Jason makes dismissive remarks regarding the issue, Aren and Lizzie find it hard to reconcile their assumptions about him.

As preparations ramp up for an important livestream event, Jason gets assigned to lead the presentation. Lizzie, feeling overlooked, approaches Masterson to voice her frustrations but is disregarded. When Aren suggests that Jason should share the stage with Lizzie, Jason arrogantly rejects the notion, prompting further tension.

In an effort to ease Lizzie’s stress, Aren takes her for a stroll, where they nearly share an intimate moment before he is interrupted by another urgent call. Meanwhile, as a Magical Negro, Aren finds his connection to the society deteriorating due to a member’s misstep, which nearly prompts him to abandon Lizzie to prevent her from experiencing any fallout tied to his magical duties. Eventually, Aren’s growing distance from her becomes a cause for concern.

When confronted with the reality of how his actions are perceived by Jason and the wider implications of their company’s failings, Aren launches into a heartfelt monologue about the dangerous biases he faces and the realities of being seen as an outsider. This climactic confrontation ultimately drives him to run away, using his powers to transport Lizzie to the Empire State Building to confess his feelings—a moment interrupted as he’s pulled back to the society.

Back at the headquarters, a dramatic confrontation ensues with Dede and the members about his actions. Aren declares his desire to stop existing merely to placate others and is subsequently expelled from the organization, with Roger ordered to erase his memories. However, Roger’s attempt at the spell fails, as others begin to turn the tide by confronting their own white friends.

After separating from Roger, Aren becomes aware of Elizabeth’s missed calls and hurries to find her. He meets her just as she exits an Uber and sincerely apologizes, explaining his behavior. To his relief, Lizzie forgives him, and they finally share a kiss, marking the beginning of their romantic relationship.

In a delightful twist during the closing moments, Lizzie is seen entering a salon where she uses her amusingly styled party ring that reads “SO SWAG” as a pass to enter her own secret organization – The Society of Supportive Wives and Girlfriends.