Boots Riley’s $20 Million Boosters Wins Strong SXSW Reviews Ahead of Late-May Release
Updated
Updated · The New Yorker · May 22
Boots Riley’s $20 Million Boosters Wins Strong SXSW Reviews Ahead of Late-May Release
4 articles · Updated · The New Yorker · May 22
Strong early reviews and loud audience reactions greeted Boots Riley’s “Boosters” at its SXSW premiere, where Riley urged viewers to spread the word because Neon still needed help building momentum.
The film is Riley’s biggest production yet at $20 million, a sharp step up from 2018’s “Sorry to Bother You,” which cost $3.2 million and grossed $18 million.
Keke Palmer leads the anti-capitalist heist comedy as Corvette, facing Demi Moore’s billionaire fashion mogul in a movie Riley packed with handmade effects, slapstick set pieces and music from Tune-Yards.
Neon backed Riley after delays, tax-credit setbacks and a difficult postproduction process involving miniatures, stop-motion and heavy music work, giving him more freedom than he said Amazon had on “I’m a Virgo.”
“Boosters” now heads for a wide late-May release against franchise competition including “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and the sixth “Scary Movie,” as Riley tries to turn his most mainstream bid into a populist hit.
Given Neon's legal troubles, how will 'I Love Boosters' profits actually reach its creators?
Can a film's anti-capitalist message resonate when produced within the system it critiques?
Does the lawsuit against Neon signal a wider crisis for independent film distributors?
"I Love Boosters" Launches with 94% Critical Praise and $7–10M Opening: Boots Riley’s Bold Satire Targets Capitalism and Awards
Overview
Boots Riley's highly anticipated film 'I Love Boosters' made its theatrical debut on May 22, 2026, after first premiering at SXSW. Riley actively encouraged audiences to support the movie at the box office, but the film faces tough competition, opening alongside Paramount's R-rated horror film 'Passenger' and contending with other major releases. Despite this crowded landscape, 'I Love Boosters' stands out for its unique style and critical buzz, aiming to capture audience attention during a busy period between other high-profile movies. The film's release marks an important moment for Riley's career and for original, bold cinema.