I’m a Virgo

Tales of knights fighting off giants aren’t typical for a modern-day TV series, especially in this age of Marvel superheroes. This is why Boots Riley’s I’m a Virgo is exactly the refresher the fairytale book story of powers, heroes and villains needs. It subverts a lot of tropes while still affirming an expected set of struggles assumed from its main character. First of all, the knight in shining armour isn’t the hero, he’s the villain. The giant isn’t the hero either, he’s just a 13-foot-tall 19-year-old trying his best to live a normal life, whilst also finding adventures along the way. After all, as he points out, Virgos love adventures – and he’s a Virgo.

There’s no long-winded tragic backstory to Cootie (Jharrell Jones) – it’s just quick flashes of his sheltered life with his aunt and uncle. A lot of Cootie’s mannerisms and attitude are attributed to his isolated childhood, which is something Jones captures perfectly. He’s vulnerable in all the right spots, but also has an attitude; there’s innocence and a sort of reckless bravery within him, but also unbridled rage because of the world kept from him by his guardians. His life growing up sparks thematic conflicts of outside looking in, yearning for the world on the other side and realising how awful it can be, and parental misgivings in an effort to protect. There are also discussions surrounding the effects of capitalism and the contrasting avenues of treatment people who are different come across, from blatant discrimination to cult-like worship by the fringes of society.

I’m a Virgo’s storytelling is a little chaotic, which fits in with the world Riley builds. However, it can be hard to make sense of everything going on, especially because of the fast-paced editing style and transitions. The ending is also very abrupt and leaves a lot of unsatisfying loose ends. Still, there’s something visually intriguing in the stylistic choices made. There’s a “play-within-a-play” element using animated TV shows that recalls the likes of Family Guy and South Park to further enhance the nuance of the themes. A highlight is also the creative output of the other characters’ powers – from the colourful fragmented images that trail behind Flora to the black mass of cloth surrounding Jones. All these little things just add an innovative take on fantasy, while also keeping the story grounded in its themes.

The show is brave in all the right ways, just like its protagonist. Cootie is lovable and frustrating but has a heart that’s easy to root for. The same kind be said about the series – from its thematic elements to the visual presentation that’s just a little bit different than everything else on television right now.

Mae Trumata

I’m a Virgo is released on Prime Video on 23^rd June 2023.

Watch the trailer for I’m a Virgo here: