Setting aside the cloning component, They Cloned Tyrone (2023)presents a twisted thriller, showcasing prevalent skepticism among Black people. The central theme revolves around the conspiracy theories where African Americans suspect their citizenship and freedom are being stripped away, leading to rioting as a means to vent their anger and assert themselves through violent actions. It is presented in a rather light-hearted and satirical sci-fi way where the film cleverly exploits people’s ingrained stereotypes. Every negative stereotype associated with Black people seems to find its place here: fried chicken, drugs, prostitutes, gangs, afros, noisy churches, you name it.
I feel like only Black directors and actors dare to portray these stereotypes in such a way, finding seemingly absurd explanations for them. They suggest that everyone is being controlled by a mysterious underground organization, turning the whole country into a large-scale experiment. The evil government spends vast sums of money cloning Black people and dispersing them across society to disrupt peace and maintain “balance.” By the end, the film’s intentions become clear – Fontaine is just a representation of countless Black individuals, mass-produced clones designed to be social nuisances, strategically deployed nationwide to tarnish the reputation of Black people. In contrast, white individuals continue to enjoy privileges.
The journey of Fontaine and his friends resembles a Black version of The Truman Show (1998), gradually uncovering a hidden underground scene. They begin to realize that their world is not as it seems on the surface but is surrounded by deception and exploitation. At this point, they start to awaken, questioning reality, and sparking a desire for truth and self-liberation, representing a Black awakening process akin to Barbie (2023), where they gradually understand the unique challenges and pressures Black people face. They not only strive to overcome society’s stereotypes and prejudices against Black people but also undergo personal growth and self-acceptance. Through such sci-fi settings, they hope to explore identity and fight for equality and justice for the Black community, although the film implies that their means of rioting might not be the true path. The film identifies the root of the problem correctly but struggles to convey it directly, resorting to an entertaining portrayal of a conspiracy theory.
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