This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie/series/feature being covered here wouldn't exist.
"With a stand our trio at the helm and it's sci-fi elements, They Cloned Tyrone may just be one of the best things to drop on Netflix this year."
BY ELLIOT LINES JULY 28, 2023
In amongst the ever expanding library that is Netflix, They Cloned Tyrone jumped onto streaming this past week. It follows drug dealer Fontaine (John Boyega) who is subsequently shot when he crosses the wrong person. But when he wakes up the next day, yes alive, he bands together with local pimp Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) and sex worker Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris) to try and work out what is going on, uncovering a conspiracy beyond their wildest dreams.
The detective nature to They Cloned Tyrone puts the characters into spotlight, especially our main trio. John Boyega excels as drug dealer Fontaine. We're guided around this town by him, with the air of discovery surrounding him as he finds out what is going on, something the audience can engage with throughout. Slick Charles adds a little comedy to this trio, and with Foxx at the helm of this character the comedic moments shine through. He's scatty about decisions he has to make, and doesn't want to put himself in harms way. But, the standout and the glue holding them all together is Yo-Yo. She drags these two around places and gets them to do things they don't want to do to solve this mystery. Played by Teyonah Parris who brings each scene to life from the moment you meet her, to the scientist butt kicking towards the end.
Director Juel Taylor had a clear aesthetic in mind for They Cloned Tyrone, with a clear inspiration from Blaxsploitation movies. Capturing the 70's look perfectly, there is a use of neon lights that emphasise the nods to a different time and light up the set designs in all their glory. The same can be said about the costume designs, which also captured this 70's aesthetic Taylor was inspired by.
They Cloned Tyrone has plenty to say, highlighting the serious social issues we have to this day. The story itself is an interesting premise, but not totally unlike what we have seen before. There was enough here to keep you interested throughout, however, it did feel a little repetitive at times, causing questions to be asked about cutting the run time a little to make the movie seamless across the duration.
They Cloned Tyrone excels when it's three lead characters are on screen together. Boyega, Foxx and actress provide exquisite performances, but there was enough intruige in the story to make this one of Netflix' better releases.
STAR RATING
