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I Love Boosters

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

I Love Boosters is a 2026 American absurdist crime comedy film written and directed by Boots Riley. It follows a group of shoplifters, known as the Velvet Gang, as they target a cutthroat fashion magnate. The film is based on the song "I Love Boosters!" by Riley's group the Coup.

Premise

The film follows professional shoplifters who steal luxury clothing and resell it at lower prices. Reviews describe the story as a satire of fashion, consumerism, and capitalism.

Production

I Love Boosters was written and directed by Boots Riley, marking another feature film from the filmmaker after Sorry to Bother You. The film draws on Riley's earlier song "I Love Boosters!" by the Coup.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. Coverage identifies Palmer, Ackie, and Paige as key members of the shoplifting crew.

Release

The film premiered in 2026 and was released in U.S. theatres on May 22, 2026. Coverage also notes a streaming release on June 23, 2026.

Key facts

  • The film was written and directed by Boots Riley.
  • It centres on a group of shoplifters called the Velvet Gang.
  • Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore are among the ensemble cast.
  • The story targets high-end fashion retail and a fashion mogul, using a satirical tone.
  • The film is based on a song by Riley's group the Coup.
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Canadian context

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

Frequently asked questions

What is I Love Boosters?
It is a 2026 American absurdist crime comedy film written and directed by Boots Riley.
What is the film about?
It follows a group of shoplifters who target a fashion mogul and upscale retailers, selling stolen clothing at lower prices.
Who directed I Love Boosters?
Boots Riley directed the film.
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.
Is the film based on anything?
Yes. It is based on the song "I Love Boosters!" by the Coup.
When was I Love Boosters released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on May 22, 2026.

References

  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.