American Fiction

American Fiction

Year: 2023

Runtime: 1 h 57 m

Language: English

Director: Cord Jefferson

ComedyDrama

Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist who ironically writes a deliberately stereotypical "Black" novel as a commentary on the commodification of Black culture. To his surprise, the book becomes a massive success, thrusting him into a whirlwind of media attention and forcing him to confront the uncomfortable truths about race, identity, and the publishing industry. As the lines between his cynical creation and reality become increasingly blurred, Monk must navigate a world where the satire he intended has unexpected and challenging consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – American Fiction (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of American Fiction (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film's contemporary setting reflects current societal issues and discussions around race, identity, and the expectations placed on black authors. It illustrates the struggles of navigating one's career amidst evolving cultural narratives.

Location

Los Angeles, Boston

The film primarily takes place in Los Angeles, a vibrant cultural and artistic hub known for its diverse population and entertainment industry. Boston serves as a backdrop for Monk's family reconnections, representing a historical city that contrasts with the modern challenges faced by its residents.

🏙️ City 🏡 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:57

Main Characters – American Fiction (2023)

Meet the key characters of American Fiction (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Thelonious 'Monk' Ellison (Jeffrey Wright)

Monk is a talented yet conflicted writer who grapples with his identity and the expectations of race in literature. His complex relationship with family, coupled with his growing frustration in a publishing world that often simplifies black narratives, propels his character arc.

👨‍🎓 Professor 📖 Writer 😔 Troubled

Sintara Golden (Issa Rae)

Sintara is a successful author whose work starkly contrasts with Monk's literary style. Her popularity, stemming from content that Monk perceives as reinforcing negative stereotypes, serves as both an inspiration and a point of contention for him.

📚 Author 🎤 Public Figure 🌟 Popular

Agnes Ellison (Leslie Uggams)

Agnes is Monk's mother, who is struggling with Alzheimer's. Her diminishing health adds emotional weight to Monk's journey, influencing his actions and decisions throughout the story.

👵 Mother 💔 Struggling 🧠 Alzheimer’s

Lisa Ellison (Tracee Ellis Ross)

Lisa is a dedicated physician and Monk's sister. Her untimely death acts as a catalyst for Monk's emotional journey and drives him to confront difficult family dynamics.

👩‍⚕️ Physician 💓 Sibling 💔 Deceased

Cliff Ellison (Sterling K. Brown)

Cliff is Monk's estranged brother, whose troubled life adds complexity to the family dynamics. His character represents the struggles of addiction and the consequences of past decisions.

👨‍⚕️ Surgeon 🥴 Troubled 🌪️ Chaotic

Coraline (Erika Alexander)

Coraline is a lawyer and Monk’s romantic interest. She provides a grounding influence in Monk's life while also representing the complications of personal beliefs and professional dynamics.

👩‍⚖️ Lawyer ❤️ Romantic Interest 🎉 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:57

Major Themes – American Fiction (2023)

Explore the central themes of American Fiction (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📚 Identity

The theme of identity plays a crucial role in Monk's journey as he grapples with his dual existence as a struggling writer and a successful author under an alter ego. His experiences force him to confront his own beliefs about race and representation in literature.

💔 Grief

Grief permeates the narrative as Monk faces the loss of his sister, which deepens his struggles with family dynamics and personal connections. This theme highlights the emotional burden that accompanies loss, impacting relationships amidst the chaos of life.

🎭 Social Commentary

Monk's satirical novel critiques societal narratives around black culture, tackling stereotypes perpetuated in mainstream media. The film navigates the complexities of representation and the pressures on authors to conform to expectations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:57

Unlock the Full Story of American Fiction

Don't stop at just watching — explore American Fiction in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what American Fiction is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

American Fiction Summary

Read a complete plot summary of American Fiction, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

American Fiction Summary

American Fiction Timeline

Track the full timeline of American Fiction with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

American Fiction Timeline

American Fiction Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of American Fiction? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

American Fiction Ending Explained

More About American Fiction

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about American Fiction: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About American Fiction

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