I Love Boosters, a film by director Boots Riley, opened in theaters on May 22 [1]. The story follows The Velvet Gang, a group of women who steal luxury clothing to sell at low prices as a form of "fashion-forward philanthropy" [1, 2]. This act of shoplifting is framed as political resistance against corporate power and economic inequality [1, 2].
Set in a stylized version of the San Francisco Bay Area, the film features surreal architecture and scenes blending fantasy with social critique [2]. It incorporates elements of Marxist dialectical materialism and class struggle into its narrative [1, 2]. Riley’s background as a community organizer and his progressive politics heavily influence the film’s anti-capitalist message [2].
The cast includes Keke Palmer as Corvette, Taylour Paige as Mariah, and Naomi Ackie as Sade, members of The Velvet Gang [1, 2]. Demi Moore plays Christie Smith, the designer whose luxury fashion brand becomes the group’s target [1, 2].
Production designer Christopher Glass and costume designer Shirley Kurata have received praise for their work on the film, contributing to its distinctive visual style [1].
Riley said, "Power under capitalism comes from capital itself, and we need to figure out how to have collective control of that" [2]. He added that few films today address class struggle as directly as classics like Matewan, Norma Rae, and The Apartment [2].
I Love Boosters continues to screen in theaters following its May 22 release [1].
