Keke Palmer Explores Capitalism in Boots Riley’s Unique Film ‘I Love Boosters’
Writer-director Boots Riley opened the 40th SXSW film and television festival in Austin with his latest project, a surreal and vibrant homage to the struggles of creatives in a capitalist society.
I Love Boosters features the characters Corvette (Keke Palmer), Sade (Naomi Ackie), and Mariah (Taylour Paige) as they navigate life squatting in an abandoned chicken restaurant. They generate income by stealing designer items and reselling them in the Bay Area, quickly attracting the ire of fashion mogul Christie Smith (Demi Moore).
When Christie derogatorily labels them as “low-class urban bitches” and pilfers one of Corvette’s designs, the trio plans to boost Christie’s entire inventory, igniting a movement among retail and factory workers.
Eight years after his debut film Sorry to Bother You, Riley delivers another absurdist and stylized critique of contemporary society. Palmer’s compelling performance anchors the narrative, enhanced by Ackie and Paige portraying a band of thieves that outshine the infamous “Bling Ring.”
Supporting roles include Poppy Liu as a Chinese factory worker seeking vengeance, Eiza González as a punk retail employee aiming to unionize, Will Poulter as her flamboyant, sycophantic manager, and LaKeith Stanfield as a model with a troubling background.
Riley’s signature camp style permeates the film, highlighted by Christie’s slanted penthouse and bold sci-fi elements, including a striking physical transformation of Don Cheadle, who becomes involved in a pyramid scheme.
Utilizing traditional techniques, Riley employs claymation for a group of fashion minions who have undergone surgeries for the sake of beauty. Notably, a car chase is portrayed with miniatures on a model of San Francisco streets, despite filming taking place in Atlanta and Louisville.
In I Love Boosters, Riley effectively captures the despair of a capitalist dystopia where the wealthy prosper at the expense of the world, while the majority seek opportunities to find significance in their lives.
Title: I Love Boosters
Festival: SXSW (Headliner)
Distributor: Neon
Release Date: May 22, 2026
Director-screenwriter: Boots Riley
Cast: Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Demi Moore
Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins
