Watch Uncle Tom

Uncle Tom is a documentary film directed by Justin Malone and released in 2020. The film features interviews with prominent black conservatives and political commentators, including Larry Elder, Brandon Tatum, Herman Cain (in his last interview before his death), Candace Owens, and Allen West. The title of the film refers to the character of Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, and the derogatory term often used to describe black conservatives who are accused of betraying their race in exchange for political power or acceptance from white society. The film seeks to challenge this stereotype and defend the conservative viewpoints of the featured interviewees.

The film begins by introducing the concept of black conservatism and how it has been largely ignored or dismissed by mainstream media and academia. The interviewees discuss their personal journeys to conservatism and how it has affected their lives and careers. They also address common criticisms of black conservatism, such as accusations of internalized racism or being out of touch with the black community.

Throughout the film, the interviewees touch on a range of political and social issues, including affirmative action, police brutality, welfare, and education. They argue that conservative policies and values align better with the interests and values of the black community than liberal ones, and that the Democratic Party has taken the black vote for granted for too long.

The filmmakers also include archival footage of historical events, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Watts riots, to add context and perspective to the interviewees' arguments. They also highlight current events, such as the Black Lives Matter protests and the 2020 presidential election, to put the issues into a contemporary context.

The documentary is shot in a straightforward style, with the interviewees speaking directly to the camera. The filmmakers use graphics and footage to highlight key points or illustrate historical events, but for the most part, the film is focused on the words and experiences of the interviewees.

Uncle Tom has been praised by some conservative commentators for giving a voice to black conservatives and challenging the narrative that all black Americans must be liberals. However, it has also been criticized by some for oversimplifying complex issues and ignoring the nuances of race and politics in America.

Regardless of one's political views, Uncle Tom is a thought-provoking and timely documentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of American politics and society. It is a valuable addition to the conversation about race and conservatism in the 21st century.

Uncle Tom is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.