With all the casual cool of a Blaxploitation classic, They Cloned Tyrone kicks off with some serious 70s vibes, backed up by an abundance of ice-cold Bootsy Collins funk, as writer director Juel Taylor partners up with Tony Rettenmaier, to tell a tall tale of human cloning which is effortlessly chic.
With Jamie Foxx (Day Shift) donning some flawless threads and a hairstyle which defies gravity, Slick Charles is borne without breaking sweat, while John Boyega (The Woman King) personifies Fontaine as an unusual alliance is forged between them. With the low temperature street walker Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris) completing this trio, They Cloned Tyrone gets derailed and goes full on Twilight Zone soon after.
Turning this from 70s ghetto classic to homage central, as references to A Clockwork Orange, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Stepford Wives are woven into the fabric. Not only revealing underground research facilities, extreme methods of brainwashing and a distinct big brother vibe throughout – but offering all three performers infinite opportunities to cut loose.
In truth, there is nothing which separates these effortlessly cool creations, beyond some spot-on costume design and distinct dialogue. Meaning that the choice of grainy visuals, alongside some down and dirty soundtrack segues, gives They Cloned Tyrone a whole new level of cool.
When things get weird and Fontaine comes face to face with some flesh and blood facts, this film then side steps into the realms of murder mystery. As this unconventional trio descend deeper into the bowels of their township, which in turn offers writer director Juel Taylor a chance to address other issues.
This incisive debut has some combative things to say about social expectations, government oversight and personal identity – which might just slip by a more casual audience. Beneath the lashings of funk and the visual stylings of a creator in love with his era, They Cloned Tyrone throws shade at conscious misinformation, as well as a political system which actively seeks to profit off the powerless.
That these crucial elements come through beneath the guise of a mainstream movie is commendable, as this Blaxploitation homage delivers some hard-hitting home truths about contemporary culture for anyone paying attention. Not only turning this into a double-edged drama with backbone but marking Juel Taylor out as one to watch.
They Cloned Tyrone is available to stream on Netflix from 21 July.
