“American Fiction” tells the story of Thelonious ‘Monk’ Ellison (portrayed by actor Jefferey Wright), a no-nonsense established African-American author who is renowned for his writing, but whose writing isn’t perceived as being Black enough.

Ellison decides to pander to book publishers with a hammed up stereotypical novel under a pseudonym. The draft he submits surprisingly turns into a smash hit. Antics ensue. “American Fiction,” which premiered in movie theaters last month, is based on the 2001 novel “Erasure” by author Percival Everett.

The forefront of the story is Monk’s interpersonal dynamics, navigating both his inner and outer turmoil.
The movie inspired me to look within myself. As an aspiring professional writer this movie spoke to me on a personal level. Sometimes it can be hard to put yourself out there especially when you haven’t come to a consensus on who you really are or who you can be. Between my upbringing and the resulting beliefs and habits I picked up, I’ve felt less than myself, much like Monk did. I found myself watching certain scenes like I was in Monk’s shoes, and it was cathartic.

I found myself wishing Monk would cut through his insecurities and live in his truth to make things right. Who wouldn’t want to live like that?

This film also features Tracy Ellis Ross and Sterling K. Brown as Monk’s siblings Lisa and Clifford. Issa Rae plays Sinatra Golden, a rival author. Erika Alexander plays the love interest Coraline, she’s perhaps best known for her role playing the character Maxine Shaw, Attorney at Law, in the ‘90s sitcom “Living Single.” It’s the directorial debut of Cord Jefferson.