Review by imdb-13900

Just when you thought it was impossible to represent the US Republican "alt-right" community as any more absurd prejudiced and irrational than they choose to present themselves, in comes Sasha Baron Cohen in a series of exquisitely crafted "set up" mock interviews with "real life" participants. By using the twinned barrelled foils of flattery, and apparent ignorance, he skilfully manages to expose the irrationality and inconsistencies of the current Trump administration and their supporters. A great deal of effort has been made to sandwich carefully written "backstories" along with exquisite editing to create a strangely compelling narrative, worthy of the best "screwball" comedies, yet remaining overwhelmingly unsettling because it features "real words, from real talking heads" On many occasions the transition from "made up" to "real life" clips is entirely seamless - situations are clearly taken out of context, and doubtless we only get to see the "best bits" but nonetheless it's genuinely funny, and on occasions, excruciatingly uncomfortable. Make no mistake, Cohen doesn't pull any punches, there is no attempt at "balancing" his argument, clearly there are scenes where they use actors who are "in on the joke" from the start and at others, it's only apparent in retrospect this must have been the case. Nevertheless, he makes a point, and makes a point well, that people should always challenge accepted norms, and the first thing you should ask is "exactly what does this person stand for, and why does that benefit us". One of the great joys of this movie is that it's "bang up to the minute" - not only does it reflect the current US political agenda, it has in many ways contributed to that discourse. It's rude, bawdy, and on occasions, deliberately revolting. I very nearly pressed the >> button a couple of times, but was immediately glad I didn't. I found it immensely enjoyable, if you don't, you should take a long hard look at yourself, and question whether you're precisely one of the people he tries to satirise.