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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Music Box • Music

I Love Boosters

I Love Boosters is a 2026 American absurdist crime comedy film written and directed by Boots Riley.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

I Love Boosters is a 2026 American absurdist crime comedy written and directed by Boots Riley. It follows a crew of shoplifters taking on a high-end fashion mogul.

What it is

The film centres on the Velvet Gang, professional shoplifters who steal luxury clothing and resell it at lower prices. It's a satire of fashion, consumerism, and capitalism, based on the song "I Love Boosters!" by Riley's group the Coup.

Key details

Boots Riley wrote and directed the film, his second feature after Sorry to Bother You. The ensemble cast includes Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. It premiered in U.S. theatres on May 22, 2026, with a streaming release on June 23, 2026.

Why it matters

The film continues Riley's signature blend of absurdist comedy and social critique, targeting the fashion industry and consumer culture. Its star-studded cast and musical origins add to its cultural relevance.

In short

  • Absurdist crime comedy directed by Boots Riley.
  • Follows the Velvet Gang stealing from fashion retailers.
  • Based on the Coup's song "I Love Boosters!".
  • Released in theatres May 22, 2026.
Canadian angle

No specific Canada-related connection is established in the provided sources.

Quick questions

What is I Love Boosters?
It is a 2026 American absurdist crime comedy film written and directed by Boots Riley.
Who stars in I Love Boosters?
The cast includes Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore.
When was I Love Boosters released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on May 22, 2026.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Love_Boosters
    Supports: Basic identification of the film, release year, director, cast, and inspiration from the Coup song.
  2. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/movies/i-love-boosters-review.html
    Supports: Plot details, character names, and the film's fashion-focused premise.
  3. Variety — https://www.variety.com/2026/film/reviews/i-love-boosters-review-keke-palmer-boots-riley-sxsw-1236684495/
    Supports: Boots Riley as writer-director, ensemble cast, and satirical framing.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_love_boosters
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, and rating details.