SXSW kicked off with a vibrant opening night premiere of director Boots Riley’s upcoming NEON film I Love Boosters, a psychedelic heist comedy that drew laughs and standing ovations at Austin’s Paramount Theatre. The absurdist caper follows a group of fashionista shoplifters who target a corrupt fashion designer, blending social commentary with wild cinematic style.
The film stars Keke Palmer as Corvette, an aspiring fashion designer who runs a boosters store selling stolen high-end fashion goods at discount prices in her neighborhood. Her crew, including Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, and Poppy Liu, sets their sights on Christie Smith, a corrupt fashion mogul played by Demi Moore who steals designs and operates dangerous factories overseas.
Fashion Industry Satire Drives I Love Boosters Narrative
According to Riley, the film explores the intersection of art and capitalism within the fashion world. The director explained his motivation centered on examining what gives art its value and questioning the accessibility of creative expression. Smith’s character represents corporate exploitation, stealing Corvette’s flappy pocket suit design while running a mainland China factory where workers develop lung cancer from sawdust-like fabric materials.
The ensemble cast also features LaKeith Stanfield as a mysterious figure pursuing Corvette and Eiza González as a stoner retail worker who becomes both an ally and an unexpected guide to time travel concepts. Riley’s signature visual style fills the screen with vivid yellows, reds, and greens, creating a distinctive aesthetic palette throughout the heist comedy.
Director Addresses Capitalism and Accessibility Themes
Riley emphasized the film’s satirical takedown of the one percent and systemic inequality. He referenced comedian Kate Berlant’s stand-up bit featured in the movie, suggesting makeup should be free for women since it has become a societal requirement for employment and participation. The director uses fashion as a lens to examine broader questions about who can afford to participate in artistic conversations.
Palmer praised Riley’s cohesive vision, noting how every element ties together intentionally. The actress said she has watched the film multiple times, discovering new layers with each viewing—unusual for her, as she typically avoids watching her own work. She highlighted the movie’s message about unity among marginalized communities rather than fighting independent battles.
Cast Reflects on Character Representation and Collaboration
González expressed appreciation for Riley casting her against type as a nose-ring wearing, vaping “weed brainiac” character. The Mexican actress said the role represents someone who wants to raise her voice to the world, noting that more directors need to take risks rather than typecasting actors. González is appearing in two films at this year’s SXSW, with Hulu’s action movie Mick & Nick & Nick & Alice premiering at the Paramount Theatre on March 14.
Additionally, Liu described the unique production experience in Atlanta where the cast lived together in a hotel for two-and-a-half months. According to the actress, this arrangement fostered a circadian rhythm shared only among the ensemble, creating an insular creative environment that strengthened their on-screen chemistry.
The film incorporates fantastical elements including a “situation accelerator,” described as a teleportation device that aids the women in executing swift heists across the couture retail chain. However, Riley balances these absurdist touches with pointed social commentary about labor exploitation and economic inequality within the global fashion industry.
NEON will release I Love Boosters in theaters on May 22, following its successful SXSW world premiere reception.
