Title “Government Cheese” refers to an amusing crime comedy that draws inspiration from the biblical tale of Jonah, where a character repeatedly dodges doing what is morally right until a remarkable, divine occurrence compels (or forces) him to embrace virtue and adhere to his faith. The film’s religious undertones are overtly apparent, although it couldn’t be more distinct from the usual faith-based productions.
Created jointly by renowned music video director Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, this series showcases a unique visual style reminiscent of a charming fusion between ’90s and 2000s independent cinema (such as Arizona Dream, The Royal Tenenbaums, Reservoir Dogs, Little Miss Sunshine). It also bears strong resemblance to the Coen brothers’ exploration of the “Book of Job,” A Serious Man. The visuals are vibrant and colorful, the camera work is whimsical with unusual framing, it boasts an eclectic soundtrack selection, and it’s populated by a cast of eccentric characters that seem more like figments of imagination than real-life individuals. For better or worse, it shares many characteristics with other well-crafted comedies available on Apple TV+, such as Sunny, Palme Royale, Mr. Corman, The Big Door Prize, and so forth.
The story “Government Cheese” revolves around a former convict, Hampton Chambers (David Oyelowo), who is battling to maintain his freedom and avoid falling back into criminal activities. After serving a two-year sentence, he returns home to a cold and detached family. Hampton harbors a vision of a revolutionary self-sharpening drill that he thinks will bring him and his loved ones prosperity. However, Hampton is burdened with a dangerous financial obligation.
A Convict Goes Clean (Kind Of) in ‘Government Cheese’
The series promptly plunges us into a prison setting, where Hampton seems to be recognized. It appears he’s returning, and his Indigenous companion Rudy cautions him about needing a belief system to maintain his sanity. Hampton makes his way to the chapel, and following a quick, improbable exchange, we jump ahead two years on the eve of Hampton’s release. He grips his Bible and blueprints for a drill—an invention he claims was divinely inspired.
Before he departs, there’s an unsettling prison riot that ends disastrously for unfortunate Rudy. This riot, which features a significant plot inconsistency I won’t delve into, mainly serves to test the audience’s willingness to suspend their disbelief. The manner in which the riot occurs, Rudy’s demise, the lack of accountability, the mysterious escape, and its seemingly inconsequential impact on Hampton all contribute to an unpleasant flavor from the outset of the series.
In 1969 (equivalent to about $18,000 now), Hampton finds himself in debt to a risky French-Canadian clan for securing his early release from prison. With only two weeks left to settle the bill and no money to his name, a criminal predicament arises. However, Hampton strives to stay away from illicit activities, aspiring instead to build a prosperous business around his innovative self-sharpening drill. Unsurprisingly, his wife Astoria (Simone Missick) maintains a distant demeanor due to the situation. Their rebellious son Harrison (Jahi Winston) harbors resentment towards him, whereas Einstein (Evan Alexander Ellison), their preferred child, remains compliant.
A Charming David Oyelowo Has the Gift of Gab
Thankfully, David Oyelowo’s captivating charm holds your attention throughout “Government Cheese,” as it gradually unveils a variety of events and characters that become intriguing in their own right. As Hampton Chambers, Oyelowo is mesmerizing, exhibiting both humor and tragedy in equal measure. He’s a cunning figure amidst the polite society, able to maneuver himself into and out of any situation; however, in the criminal underworld, he’s not tough and remains highly susceptible. Hampton is a complex character, displaying both sweetness and deceitfulness, the kind of person whose selfish actions are entwined with selflessness. He believes he acts for his family’s sake, but often they don’t share this sentiment.
In this role, Oyelowo masterfully portrays Hampton, whose intellectual and social abilities far surpass his moral and emotional development. This imbalance, particularly detrimental in a criminal context, is strikingly depicted. His talent for playing unscrupulous characters is uncanny, yet it seems to draw him back time and again, with the aid of his criminal associate Bootsy, skillfully portrayed by Bokeem Woodbine. In another role, Woodbine’s performance was flawless; I even imagined him as an ideal fit for a Dave Chappelle biopic.
In Hampton, signs seemingly sent by divine forces or the universe are abundant, ranging from dreams to encounters with catfish. The tale of Jonah becomes strikingly relevant at times, making “Government Cheese” seem like a contemporary reinterpretation. The 1960s backdrop provides a fitting context for the recurring themes of Yahweh, animal spirits, and henna. Given the presence of many hippies, dropouts, and spiritual experimenters among the Chambers family, as well as the widespread New Age thinking during that era, the religious tone doesn’t feel out of place or odd; instead, it aligns perfectly with the overall atmosphere of the series.
Blatantly Obvious but Still a Little Magical
In addition to its religious theme, Government Cheese delves deeply into creating imaginative metaphors and peculiar characters. For instance, Hampton’s son, Einstein, who boasts scholarship offers from prestigious universities, chooses an unconventional path – pole vaulting. This choice is symbolically represented as a call to take a bold leap of faith, emphasized when Hampton witnesses a frog jumping over a pole significantly higher than the ground. Furthermore, Government Cheese takes the story of Jonah from the Bible quite literally in one particularly overt scene that feels like an obvious reference (yet effectively executed).
To put it simply, “Government Cheese” delves into the realm of the fantastical, bordering on being overly playful and quirky (for instance, characters from an advertisement leap out of the television screen, Hampton embarks on a thrilling archery journey with a lively character often seen in fairy tales). Yet, it shares similarities with other whimsical series like “Pushing Daisies” and “Dispatches from Elsewhere”. Despite its eccentricities, there’s an undeniable charm that spreads throughout the show.
The ending of the series, surprisingly, is more down-to-earth compared to the rest, causing one to reevaluate their perspective on “Government Cheese”. It’s definitely worth giving a try.
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2025-03-19 05:32