Boots Riley Explores Labor, Power, and Satire in I Love Boosters

Boots Riley’s latest cinematic endeavor, I Love Boosters, continues the filmmaker’s tradition of blending absurdist satire with sharp critiques of global capitalism. Following a sold-out screening hosted by the Sundance Institute at Denver’s Landmark Mayan Theater on April 14, 2026, Riley engaged audiences with a behind-the-scenes look at the creative philosophy driving his second feature film.

A Vision Rooted in Resistance

I Love Boosters depicts a crew of women living on the edge of poverty who turn to shoplifting as a means of survival. As the plot unfolds, these characters find themselves entangled in a high-stakes conflict between labor and capital. Riley, known for his work with the rap group The Coup and his 2018 directorial debut Sorry to Bother You, employs a surrealist lens to examine the mechanics of power and the commodification of the working class.

During the post-screening conversation with Sundance Institute Senior Programmer John Nein, Riley emphasized that his work is intended to serve as more than just entertainment. “I want you to engage with it as a piece of art and come to some conclusions, and hopefully it inspires you to go out and help make a mass, militant, radical labor movement,” Riley stated. “We need to try to get control of the wealth we have created with our labor.”

The Creative Process: Sound and Dialogue

Riley’s approach to filmmaking is deeply influenced by his background as a lyricist. He treats dialogue with the same precision as a verse, aiming to heighten contradictions and challenge the audience’s assumptions. His sonic inspiration for the film’s atmosphere draws from the layered, genre-defying soundscapes of Parliament Funkadelic. For the film’s score, Riley collaborated with Tune-Yards, integrating music that he noted was in development early in the scripting process.

The film also reflects Riley’s commitment to visual storytelling that forces the audience to experience the characters’ realities. Despite the constraints often faced by independent filmmakers, Riley and his creative team—including production designer Christopher Glass, cinematographer Natasha Braier, and costume designer Shirley Kurata—utilized inventive techniques to maintain the film’s ambitious scope. Riley described these solutions as essential to executing his vision without sacrificing the narrative’s impact.

Theoretical Underpinnings

At the heart of I Love Boosters is an exploration of dialectical materialism. Riley challenges the conventional perception of time, suggesting that our understanding is often shaped by the narratives found in science fiction rather than scientific reality. By weaving these philosophical inquiries into the fabric of the film, he aims to “accelerate the situation” and spark critical dialogue regarding the relationship between production, commodities, and the global working class.

Key Takeaways

• Cast: The film features an ensemble including Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, Naomi Ackie, Poppy Liu, LaKeith Stanfield, and Demi Moore.
• Themes: The story examines the intersection of fashion, labor, and the global economy through the lens of shoplifting.
• Collaboration: The film’s soundscape was developed in partnership with Tune-Yards, with additional musical contributions from Riley’s daughter.
• Development: Riley’s history with the Sundance Institute—including his time as a fellow in the 2015 and 2016 labs—played a foundational role in his development as a filmmaker.

Looking Ahead

The Denver screening served as a significant moment for the Sundance Institute, which is preparing for its transition to Boulder in 2027. For Riley, the event highlighted the enduring connection between his artistic output and his long-standing commitment to social activism. As I Love Boosters prepares for its broader theatrical release, it stands as a testament to Riley’s ability to turn complex economic theory into a vibrant, radical cinematic experience.