I Love Boosters

⭐⭐⭐

113 minutes ‧ R ‧ 2026
Cast: Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, Mahdi Cocci
Director: Boots Riley
Genres: Comedy, Drama

I attended the opening night of the Seattle International Film Festival, where I Love Boosters launched the festivities in unforgettable fashion. From the start, it was clear this would not be a tidy or predictable movie. Boots Riley delivers a chaotic, what-the-hell kind of ride that pulls you in every direction and keeps you guessing.

Set in Oakland, California, I Love Boosters follows Corvette, played by Keke Palmer, whose magnetic energy propels her as she leads a crew of shoplifters targeting the luxury fashion brand Metro. Their heists are clever, messy, and often hilarious. What begins as a stylish story about stealing soon opens into something bigger, with Riley taking aim at capitalism, consumer culture, labor exploitation, and the compromises people make just to get by.

The story sharpens when Corvette discovers that Metro designer Christie Smith, played with cold precision by Demi Moore, has stolen one of her original designs. That betrayal drives Corvette to go undercover inside the company, not to join the system, but to undermine it from within. From there, the movie leans further into absurdism, visual play, and narrative left turns, making it impossible to predict what comes next.

That unpredictability is a big part of the film’s appeal. It is restless, inventive, and sometimes downright strange. Yes, the storyline gets a little crazy at points, and there were moments when the sheer madness pulled me out of it. Even so, the movie never stopped being fun. That messy energy is part of what makes it memorable. I Love Boosters does not want to be neat. It wants to surprise you, challenge you, and keep you slightly off balance.

Keke Palmer is outstanding. I absolutely loved her! She infused Corvette with energy, humor, and sincerity, all while seeming very human. She is so great here that she often saves the movie, making it easier to accept the more bizarre plot twists that don’t quite make sense. Demi Moore also delivers a powerful performance as Christie Smith, bringing a sharp, glamorous touch to the role. Naomi Ackie and Taylour Paige add depth and chemistry as Corvette’s team, while LaKeith Stanfield and Don Cheadle lend a quirky, lively spark to the cast. Everyone seems fully dedicated to Riley’s unique and compelling vision.

Boots Riley remains one of the most original voices in film. Like Sorry to Bother You, I Love Boosters blends satire, surrealism, and social commentary in a way that feels sharp and distinctly his. Even at its wildest, the chaos has purpose. Riley makes you laugh, squirm, and think, sometimes all in the same scene.

The film also deserves praise for its artistic craft. The costume design (Shirley Kurata) is outstanding, with bold, expressive looks that add even more personality to a movie already bursting with style. If awards season takes notice of this film, costume design and cinematography (Natasha Braier) deserve equal attention. The visuals are rich, vivid, and full of attitude, capturing both the beauty and distortion of Riley’s world. Every frame feels alive.

One small issue during my screening was the sound mix. At times, the background music overpowered the dialogue, making some lines hard to catch. I am not sure whether that was specific to my theater, but it stood out. Even so, it did not lessen my overall enjoyment. It is a minor flaw in a film that otherwise feels confident and creatively alive.

What stayed with me most is how I Love Boosters balances fun with substance. One moment you are laughing at the absurdity on screen, and the next you are thinking about the systems the film exposes. That is not easy to pull off, but Riley does it with confidence.

If you get the chance to see I Love Boosters, go. It is a movie that makes you laugh, think, and replay its wildest moments. Above all, it is fun and absolutely worth the ride.