Where to Watch Am I Racist? – Matt Walsh's Satirical Documentary

Am I Racist? is a 2024 satirical documentary comedy film starring conservative political commentator Matt Walsh. Directed by Justin Folk for The Daily Wire, the film takes aim at the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement. Using a mockumentary style reminiscent of Borat, Walsh adopts a "bumbling DEI trainee" persona, attending anti-racism workshops and conducting interviews with activists and experts, often with humorous results. Released on September 13, 2024, in the United States and Canada, the film has sparked a range of reactions, from praise for its comedy to critiques of its provocative message.

Production

With a $3 million budget, Am I Racist? is Matt Walsh's second film. Walsh, known for his previous work What is a Woman?, once again uses undercover tactics and humor to critique social movements. The film was produced by The Daily Wire, a conservative media company, with the goal of challenging what they view as the toxicity of DEI culture in America.

Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, appears in the film but later expressed frustration, claiming the filmmakers deceived her about their intentions. Another notable moment involved Walsh attending a DEI workshop without physical disguise, eventually being recognized by participants.

Release and Box Office Performance

Am I Racist? was released theatrically on September 13, 2024, marking The Daily Wire's first major film release. In its opening weekend, the film grossed $4.54 million, eventually amassing over $10.31 million as of late September 2024. It became the highest-grossing documentary of the year and posted the third-biggest opening weekend for a documentary in the past decade. The film's release spurred conversations around its controversial approach to racial discourse in the U.S.

Critical Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, Am I Racist? holds a 73% approval rating from 11 critics, while audiences gave it a higher score of 97%. CinemaScore reported an average grade of "A" from viewers, while PostTrak recorded a five-star rating from the audience.

Mainstream critics largely ignored the film, with some declining to review it. However, it received a mixed response from independent outlets. Tatiana Siegel from Variety noted that the film's appeal depends on one's political perspective, calling it "hilarious or offensive, depending on which side of the MAGA fence you sit on."

Jason L. Riley from The Wall Street Journal praised the film's humor, stating that Walsh effectively lets DEI practitioners "discredit themselves." On the other hand, Joel Stein of The Hollywood Reporter critiqued the film’s comedic style, describing Walsh’s performance as lacking the qualities that make a comedian funny.

Controversies

The film's satirical approach has drawn criticism, especially for its treatment of DEI experts. Robin DiAngelo, featured in the film, publicly criticized the filmmakers for their deceitful tactics. Denny Burk of World magazine echoed these concerns, questioning whether the filmmakers' use of deception for a "noble" cause was justifiable, citing ethical and moral issues.

How to Watch Am I Racist?

Since its release, Am I Racist? has been a hot topic, not only for its content but also for its controversial approach to racial discourse. If you’re looking to watch this satirical documentary, here are some options:

1. Theatrical Release: The film was initially released in select theaters across the United States and Canada on September 13, 2024. Many theaters still offer showings, and it's worth checking your local listings for availability.
2. Streaming Services: While Am I Racist? currently enjoys its theatrical run, it’s expected to land on The Daily Wire’s streaming platform soon. The Daily Wire, which also produced the film, offers a subscription-based streaming service where many of its original films and content can be viewed.
3. Digital Rentals: It is likely that the documentary will become available for digital rental and purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV in the near future, giving viewers more flexibility in how they choose to watch.
4. VOD: Once the theatrical run concludes, video-on-demand (VOD) services should also carry the documentary, providing further options for viewing.

Am I Racist? boldly critiques the DEI movement, positioning itself as a satire on contemporary anti-racism efforts. With Matt Walsh's provocative style, the film has become a significant point of discussion in debates surrounding race, inclusion, and the role of humor in addressing sensitive social issues. Whether viewed as insightful or inflammatory, it has undoubtedly contributed to ongoing conversations about race and identity in modern America.

1. What is Am I Racist? about?

Am I Racist? is a satirical documentary that takes aim at the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement. The film, starring Matt Walsh, follows him as he assumes the role of a bumbling DEI trainee, attending anti-racism workshops, interviewing activists, and exploring racial issues in a comedic manner. The film has been described as a mockumentary in the style of Borat and seeks to challenge modern racial discourse through humor.

2. Who directed Am I Racist??

The film is directed by Justin Folk, who has previously collaborated with conservative media outlets. Folk also directed No Safe Spaces (2019), a documentary about free speech, which reflects a similar political angle. His collaboration with Matt Walsh and The Daily Wire on Am I Racist? continues his exploration of contentious cultural issues.

3. Who stars in the documentary?

The documentary is fronted by Matt Walsh, a well-known conservative political commentator, podcast host, and author. Walsh previously gained attention with his provocative film What Is a Woman? and takes on a similar approach in Am I Racist? by posing as a DEI trainee to poke fun at the DEI industry.

4. What inspired the creation of the film?

Matt Walsh and The Daily Wire, the film's producer, wanted to satirize what they perceive as the excesses of the DEI movement in American institutions. The film was designed to challenge DEI culture, which Walsh and The Daily Wire argue is "toxic" and damaging to American society. The film draws on humor and undercover tactics to expose DEI training methods and rhetoric.

5. How does Am I Racist? compare to What Is a Woman??

Both Am I Racist? and What Is a Woman? follow a similar approach, with Matt Walsh using satire and undercover interviews to examine social movements. While What Is a Woman? explored gender ideology, Am I Racist? shifts the focus to race and DEI efforts in institutions. Both films employ a provocative and humorous style to critique what Walsh views as problematic social trends.

6. Was there any controversy surrounding the film?

Yes, the film stirred controversy, especially for its undercover tactics. For example, Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, who appears in the film, expressed frustration, stating that she was deceived about the filmmakers’ true intentions. Other attendees of DEI workshops featured in the film also felt misled by Walsh's hidden agenda.

7. What is the film's budget?

Am I Racist? was produced with a $3 million budget, a significant amount for a documentary, particularly within the conservative media space. The film's financial backing reflects The Daily Wire's ongoing investment in expanding its media influence, particularly in producing original films and documentaries.

8. How was Am I Racist? received at the box office?

The film has performed remarkably well for a documentary. It grossed $4.54 million during its opening weekend and has gone on to earn over $10.31 million as of late September 2024, making it the highest-grossing documentary of the year and achieving one of the biggest documentary openings in recent history.

9. What have critics said about the film?

On Rotten Tomatoes, Am I Racist? holds a 73% approval rating from critics, while audiences have rated it higher, with a 97% approval score. Some critics, like Tatiana Siegel from Variety, have noted that the film’s reception largely depends on the viewer’s political perspective, with the movie being "hilarious or offensive" based on your stance. Others have critiqued its humor, with Joel Stein from The Hollywood Reporter saying that Walsh’s comedic timing fell short.

10. Did any film critics refuse to review Am I Racist??

Yes, Walsh mentioned that mainstream film critics largely ignored the film, with some refusing to review it altogether. He claimed that independent outlets, however, picked up on the film and offered their commentary. The absence of mainstream reviews has sparked discussions about the media's response to conservative films.

11. How did the public respond to the film?

Audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, particularly among conservative viewers. The film received an "A" CinemaScore and a five-star rating on PostTrak, indicating that viewers were pleased with its message and comedic style. The film's success at the box office also reflects its appeal to a specific demographic interested in challenging the DEI movement.

12. Will there be more films from Matt Walsh and The Daily Wire?

Given the success of Am I Racist?, it’s likely that Matt Walsh and The Daily Wire will continue to produce similar content. The film represents The Daily Wire's first theatrical release, and the company has expressed interest in expanding its presence in the film industry. Walsh, known for his provocative style, could return with more satirical takes on contemporary social issues in future projects.