American Fiction Review: Jefferson’s Timely Directorial Debut Is Confident & Provocative

Cord Jefferson, esteemed writer of some of the most popular television series episodes (Watchmen, Succession, and The Good Place), has recently turned his talents to directing. The award-winning writer turned director premiered his feature directorial debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. American Fiction is adapted from Percival Everett’s 2001 novel, Erasure, which sees a dissection of the publishing industry with respect to pigeonholing Black writers into one dimension. In the film adaptation, Jefferson brings this important issue to life through a satirical lens that will leave a lasting impression. The film stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Sterling K. Brown, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, and a plethora of other renowned actors. But don’t let cameos fool you, American Fiction is packed with important commentary, clever jokes, and a story that’ll have you coming back for me.