By Melissa Antoinette Garza
I was never a HARRY POTTER fan. I tried to read the books and even attempted to watch a few of the movies, but it wasn’t my cup of tea. I prefer finer films about schools of magic, like THE WORST WITCH (1986). Tim Curry is amazing in it.
Anyways, even though I didn’t like HARRY POTTER, I thought Daniel Radcliffe was a good actor. I greatly enjoyed THE WOMAN IN BLACK (2012) and VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN was far better than expected. When I saw the trailer for IMPERIUM (2016), I knew that I had to see it.
I am nearly always engaged in movies, novels and true accounts of hate groups. MISSISSIPPI BURNING (1988), AMERICAN HISTORY X (1998), BETRAYED (1988) and Ron Stallworth’s biography THE BLACK KLANSMAN are some of my favorites.
IMPERIUM is based on true events. It follows undercover agent Nate Foster (Daniel Radcliffe) who is hired to infiltrate white supremacists because confidential intel shows the risk of a terrorist attack, by a radical racist group.
He is first hesitant to take the job, but does. He meets some skinheads and all but one are complete douchebags. The only one that Foster relates to is Johnny (Devin Druid) who was recruited and just wanted to be a part of something. He’s a young kid who is stupid. He only adopts the ideals and beliefs of these radical morons because he has no one else.
Nate now attempts to accomplish two things. First, follow his orders and make sure the supremacists believe his story so that they include him in their proposed terrorist act and the second is to try his best to protect Johnny and eventually get him out.
After being introduced to everyone in the group they go to a barbecue. Now, I know this is based on a true story, but I’m curious if white supremacists really do things like this. Gerry (Sam Trammell) an average looking guy with two kids and a wife, have this small party for all different white supremacist groups. Skinheads, Religious Skinheads, The Klan etc. all get together. It wasn’t a rally or anything. There were cupcakes with swastikas and Gerry’s little tykes said deplorable things, but beyond connecting with Nate who enjoyed the same style music and books, it was uneventful.
Nate is faced with a bunch of obstacles as the crew he runs with is violent and crazy. At one point, they want to beat up or murder an interracial couple and he is forced to take drastic action to stop it.
The groups all watch TV host Dallas (Travis Letts). He’s an outrageous over-the-top David Duke meets Rush Limbaugh. Everyone buys into his racist agenda and Nate believes he may be the culprit behind the attack.
Nothing is as it seems and the twists and turns within the movie are interesting. Nate’s struggle to see humanity in the lowest common denominator.
Daniel Radcliffe is phenomenal in the role. It’s inspiring to see that he, much like, Elijah Wood overcame many of the pitfalls and negative experiences other young actors have endured. They have honed their skills and combined with the level of talent, both men have become versatile actors that delve into each production they’re involved in.
The supporting cast was terrific as well. Toni Collette, specifically, owned every scene she was in. Portraying Nate’s boss, Angela and the one who brought him in to the case, Collette was tough, powerful, but was very careful not to play her like a caricature. She had depth and a backstory that is briefly spoken of. Nate and Angela’s friendship is a large part of the story and when Nate doubts himself, Angela grounds him.
I find it horrifyingly interesting that this was based on true events. That said, I would love to see Ron Stallworth’s story brought to life as well. His book was amazing. The account of how an African American man infiltrated the KKK, is too good of a story not to put on screen. I think Terrence Howard or Ice Cube would be perfect for the portrayal.
As for IMPERIUM, I highly recommend it. Though not as good as MISSISSIPPI BURNING, but then again what is? You cannot beat Gene Hackman and Willem DaFoe (unless of course, it’s Gene Hackman and Ernest Borgnine).
IMPERIUM is on the same scale as AMERICAN HISTORY X. It’s gritty, but not as violent. It tells a different story and isn’t an artsy production, but the quality is the same. Personally, I purchased it off Amazon, but if movies about insane racists, isn’t necessarily your thing, give it a chance via Redbox.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8/10
