New Bay Area Film Reimagines Retail Thieves as Robin Hoods

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Acclaimed filmmaker Boots Riley has a new movie in the works called 'I Love Boosters' that reimagines clothing store robberies as a form of 'community service.' The film, set to premiere at SXSW in March and release widely in May, stars Keke Palmer as the leader of 'the Velvet Gang' and LaKeith Stanfield as one of her crew members. The trailer depicts the group taking a Robin Hood approach to their smash-and-grab heists, with Palmer's character declaring 'Give it to me, it's mine anyway' when interviewed for a job at a designer clothing store.

Why it matters

Riley is known for his unique, surrealist approach to social commentary in films like 'Sorry to Bother You' and 'I'm a Virgo.' 'I Love Boosters' continues his tradition of presenting unconventional perspectives on systemic issues, this time exploring the motivations and justifications of retail theft as a form of wealth redistribution.

The details

The film follows a group of Bay Area clothing store robbers, led by Keke Palmer's character Corvette, who view their crimes as a form of 'community service' by reselling the stolen merchandise at a discount. The trailer depicts the crew, dubbed 'the Velvet Gang,' taking a Robin Hood approach to their smash-and-grab heists. Demi Moore is set to play the villain, a fashion designer targeted by the gang.

• The film is slated to premiere at South by Southwest in March 2026.
• 'I Love Boosters' will have a wider theatrical release on May 22, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The film is scheduled to have its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March 2026 before a wider theatrical release on May 22, 2026.