The latest documentary from The Daily Wire, “Am I Racist?” directed by and starring Matt Walsh, has made a significant splash in its opening weekend. Released on September 13, 2024, the film explores the intricate and often controversial topics surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through a comedic lens.

On its first night, “Am I Racist?” grossed $1.96 million domestically, securing the position of the third-highest-grossing film of the day. This remarkable performance placed it ahead of Lionsgate’s major release “The Killer’s Game,” which was shown in more theaters

The film has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from audiences, boasting a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” rating from CinemaScore, which evaluates movies based on audience feedback​. Notably, 95% of viewers stated that the film met or exceeded their expectations, with nearly 70% rating it as “excellent.”​

“Am I Racist?” delves into DEI initiatives by placing Walsh in undercover scenarios to expose what he perceives as the absurdities and contradictions within these practices. Walsh’s approach combines investigative journalism with a comedic style, aiming to highlight the serious implications of DEI while making audiences laugh. According to Walsh, the film is not politically driven but seeks to bridge political divides through humor​.

The documentary faced significant challenges during production, with executive producer Dallas Sonnier revealing that the crew often operated in hostile environments. Despite these difficulties, the team managed to capture candid and revealing moments from various DEI proponents, including controversial interactions with anti-racist educators like Robin DiAngelo​.

“Am I Racist?” is part of The Daily Wire’s broader strategy to disrupt traditional Hollywood narratives and offer alternative perspectives on contemporary issues. The film’s success is a testament to the growing audience appetite for content that challenges mainstream cultural trends. Co-founder Ben Shapiro emphasized that the film’s humorous approach makes it accessible and engaging, potentially sparking broader conversations about the efficacy and impact of DEI policies​.

As the film continues to perform well at the box office, it marks a significant milestone for The Daily Wire’s venture into feature-length productions. The documentary is expected to maintain its momentum, with strong word-of-mouth and ongoing discussions about its themes and revelations.

The debut of “Am I Racist?” not only underscores Matt Walsh’s talent for blending comedy with critical social commentary but also highlights a shifting landscape in media consumption. Audiences are increasingly seeking content that challenges the status quo, and The Daily Wire’s latest release appears to meet that demand effectively. To cap off its successful launch, Matt Walsh was introduced by Donald Trump at a rally in Arizona, further amplifying the film’s visibility and cultural impact.