I'm a Virgo: Prime Video Review

Boots Riley's surrealist comedy drama packs a satirical edge as it pokes an eye over society.

It's the story of 13 foot black man Cootie (Jharrel Jerome) who lives in Oakland, locked away from the rest of the world by his parents who worry about what will become of him.

But one day, when he's glimpsed from behind a fence by others, he starts to realise there is a world around him he needs to explore. With his childlike innocence and naivety, Cootie  has learned his smarts from television and reading.

But is the world ready for a 13 foot black man who stands literally above everyone - and to some of whom he feels like a threat.

I'm A Virgo may be an abstract piece of dramedy in parts, but Boots Riley's series is warmed with a sentimentality that comes through as it explores Cootie's relationship with life in general.

Whether it's sex with his girlfriend or an episode which deals with the conflict between the two of them, Riley is interested in exploring societal impressions as well as taking some easy potshots. Yet a death from Cootie's circle fuels more of an incisive edge and simmering rage at life's injustices. 

Jerome plays Cootie as an innocent but he also is widely expressive through his eyes as well as through his simplistic delivery of some lines.

Not everything sticks as well as it should, with some parts involving a cult feeling like a slightly underdone story - and with Cootie's superhero idol The Hero (Walton Goggins) not quite feeling like it has a message to push.

Its surrealism may put some people off, but given this is a 7 episode series whose runtimes barely stretch over 30 minutes with plenty of inventive visuals, there's much creativity packed into the story and its delivery. A tale of activism presented in a unique way, I'm A Virgo commands the attention.

Because when Riley unleashes his communism message and holds up a mirror to societal ills, I'm A Virgo feels timely, urgent and demanding.

I'm A Virgo is streaming now on Prime Video