They Cloned Tyrone is one of those films buried under the ‘Barbenheimer’ effect. The sci-fi comedy had little to no chance to outcompete with the marketing campaign of the two blockbuster films of the summer. Writer-Director Juel Taylor released one of the most clever films of the year, proving love and understanding for Black film and the sci-fi genre. The film stars John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Paris as the three navigate a mysterious series of events that lead them to believe the government is toying with the Black folks in their neighborhood. 

They Cloned Tyrone is sure to be a film that continually gains traction and new fans once audiences begin to look for something new to watch. The beginning drags a little bit, but once the film finds its footing, audiences will be hooked. Boyega plays Fontaine, the titular character who runs through the same routine, stuck in a cycle of grief after his younger brother is killed in a police shooting. Fontaine notices his payment has fallen short and immediately goes to collect from the pimp, Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx), who seemingly walked straight out of a 70s Blaxploitation film. After collecting what is owed, Fontaine finds himself gun-downed in his car and shot to death. Moments later, he wakes up in his bed, finding himself totally unharmed. He tracks down Slick Charles and Yo-Yo, the prostitute played by Paris, who both saw him get killed. The trio is unable to shake each other and eventually band together in order to figure out just who is messing with them and their neighborhood.

THEY CLONED TYRONE, from left: Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, 2023. ph: Parrish Lewis / © Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

Paris and Foxx absolutely shine in this film, the two carry the comedic punches and channel Pam Grier and Dolemite. The love for Blaxploitation is evident in many aspects of this film. From the characters to the costumes, Taylor integrates nostalgic and new Black culture into one cohesive mystery adventure. Foxx is stylish and incredibly charismatic, bringing light and laughter to the film. Yo-Yo is a wonderful character, and there is no way you will forget Paris after this performance. She radiates power and love, making her future in this industry endless. Boyega’s character, Fontaine, represents the new age of Black film, taking a more realistic approach to the embodiment of Black folks who face the same issues we still see in the news. It is an incredibly fun watch that only gets better with each new act. 

Taylor uses sci-fi elements in They Cloned Tyrone to speak on the treatment of Black folks in America, making the discussion not only interesting for viewers but very digestible for audiences who may not always be so open to discussing such topics. Gentrification, systemic racism, and experimentation are just some of the themes Taylor is able to address through the lens of sci-fi, interweaving social commentary within out-of-this-world science. Not only does the film stand for something, it aims to preserve the Black culture of old and new for audiences. It is a conglomeration of Jeul Taylor’s favorite parts of Black art, giving it new life and bringing it into the sci-fi genre, the new addition to only a handful of films to do so before. 

They Cloned Tyrone can be watched and streamed on Netflix as of the publishing of this article.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 

I enjoyed They Cloned Tyrone. At first, I wasn’t totally sold though. I kept going and soon the rhythm and purpose of the film began to reveal itself and instantly, I was in. Not only is it fun, but it is meaningful in the best ways. It is hilarious and made me an instant fan of Teyonah Paris, and Jamie Foxx is just fantastic, he hits a home run every time he comes onto the screen. Just make it through the first 30 minutes, and if you aren’t hooked or curious go back to it a little earlier in the evening and you will be hooked then. Give it a watch, you will not have your time wasted.