Name: They Cloned Tyrone
Genre: Comedy, Science Fiction, Mystery
Released: 2023-06-14T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, Kiefer Sutherland, David Alan Grier

The opening scene of They Cloned Tyrone is a punchline delivered with deadpan precision: Fontaine (John Boyega), a drug dealer navigating the mean streets of the Glen, collects payment from Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) one night, only to get gunned down by a rival moments later. The next morning, he’s alive again, with no memory of the previous evening’s violence. This absurd premise sets the stage for Juel Taylor’s directorial debut, a film that blends blaxploitation aesthetics with sci-fi conspiracy and dark comedy, all while wrestling with themes of systemic oppression and identity.

Taylor and co-writer Tony Rettenmaier craft a script that’s smart and self-aware, playing with genre tropes while tackling serious themes. The film’s strongest moments come from its central trio—Fontaine, Slick Charles, and Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris)—whose chemistry carries the narrative. Boyega delivers a standout performance, balancing Fontaine’s tough exterior with vulnerability as he grapples with the revelation that his entire life might be a lie. There’s a raw intensity in Boyega’s portrayal, particularly in scenes where Fontaine confronts the possibility of his own nonexistence. One standout moment occurs when Fontaine stares at his reflection, the camera lingering on his face as he processes the implications of being a clone. It’s a subtle yet powerful choice that underscores the film’s central theme of identity.

Foxx brings his signature charisma to Slick Charles, a character who oscillates between comedic relief and genuine pathos. His performance is a masterclass in timing, especially in moments where Slick’s bravado crumbles under the weight of the conspiracy they uncover. Foxx’s physicality is particularly noteworthy; his exaggerated gestures and expressive facial reactions add layers to Slick Charles, making him more than just a sidekick. There’s a scene where Slick snorts a mysterious white substance, thinking it’s cocaine, only to descend into uncontrollable laughter. Foxx’s comedic timing here is impeccable, but the moment also serves as a stark commentary on the commodification of drugs and their impact on marginalized communities.

Parris, meanwhile, grounds the film with emotional depth. Yo-Yo is more than just the trio’s moral compass; she’s a fiercely independent woman navigating a world designed to exploit her. Parris imbues Yo-Yo with a quiet strength, making her one of the film’s most compelling characters. Her performance shines in scenes where Yo-Yo takes charge, such as when she seduces the restaurant manager to uncover the truth about the Glen’s surveillance system. The way Parris balances vulnerability and resilience is a testament to her acting prowess.

The dynamic between the three leads is electric, their banter sharp and their camaraderie palpable. Their interactions are infused with a sense of urgency and desperation, reflecting the high stakes they face. The film’s dialogue sparkles with wit and intelligence, often doubling as social commentary. For instance, when Fontaine asks Slick why he would snort an unknown substance, Slick responds, “Because it was there.” This exchange encapsulates the film’s critique of systemic oppression, highlighting how marginalized communities are often forced into situations where they have no choice but to take risks.

Visually, They Cloned Tyrone leans into its retro influences, from grainy cinematography to a synth-heavy soundtrack that evokes classic blaxploitation films. Taylor’s direction is confident, particularly in the film’s underground lab sequences, which blend surreal horror with social commentary. The lab, a sprawling facility beneath the Glen, becomes a metaphor for the systemic oppression of Black communities. Here, the film’s themes come into sharp focus: the exploitation of marginalized populations, the erasure of identity, and the struggle for autonomy.

Kiefer Sutherland’s Nixon, the villainous scientist overseeing the experiments, is a standout. His chilling monologues about achieving peace through control are delivered with a cold precision that makes him a formidable antagonist. The scenes between Nixon and the trio crackle with tension, particularly when he reveals the extent of his experiments on the residents of the Glen. Sutherland’s performance is a masterclass in subtle menace, his calm demeanor belying the brutality of his actions.

However, the film’s pacing stumbles in its third act, where the conspiracy unravels into chaos. The action sequences, while fun, lack the precision of Taylor’s quieter moments. Some of the twists feel rushed rather than earned, and the film’s humor occasionally undercuts its darker themes, leaving tonal whiplash in its wake. Additionally, the film’s commentary on systemic oppression sometimes feels heavy-handed, sacrificing nuance for shock value.

That said, They Cloned Tyrone is a bold, if uneven, debut. It’s a film that wants to be many things at once—a genre pastiche, a social critique, and a character-driven drama—and while it doesn’t always succeed, its ambition is commendable. The film’s strengths lie in its performances and its willingness to tackle complex themes head-on. It’s a movie that will resonate with fans of smart, socially conscious sci-fi, particularly those who appreciate the blend of humor and horror.

Ultimately, They Cloned Tyrone is a film for those who enjoy their science fiction with a side of social commentary. It’s not perfect, but it’s a refreshing departure from the genre’s usual fare, offering a unique perspective on themes of identity and oppression.