I’m a Virgo, an Amazon series directed by Boots Riley, is a story of self-exploration and the complexities of existing in a world that often rejects individuality. Set against a contemporary backdrop, this thought-provoking series delves into the life of Cootie, a 13-foot-tall, gigantic teenager, as he embarks on a transformative journey of discovering his true self. Although Cootie thought he could fly high and do amazing things, he was faced with many difficult situations where people wanted to take advantage of him because of his size. But as he went through these challenges, Cootie learned that real heroes are not just characters in colorful comic books. Being a hero requires thinking carefully and being patient. It’s not about having superpowers or being big but about making wise choices and staying calm in tough times.
Spoilers Ahead
Was Cootie Really A Villain?
Played by Moonlight actor Jharrel Jerome, Cootie’s journey in I’m a Virgo was a journey of self-discovery. He grew up to be a 13-foot-tall teenager whose adoptive parents kept him away from the outside world. His life was cooped up in a regular-sized house, where he followed the same routine every day. Despite his enormous size, Cootie was essentially a teenage boy who desired to explore the world, make friends, and engage in fun activities with them. However, none of his dreams came true under the pressure of his parents. One day, Cootie dared to get out of the house and ventured outside. Soon enough, he made friends who, despite his size, became his best friends and treated him like a normal kid. Cootie was aware of all the potential evil in the world, but he found that his friends, Jones, Felix, and Scat, were extraordinarily good. Gradually, Cootie met a woman named Flora, blessed with a superpower—superhuman speed. Flora and Cootie fell in love with each other and pursued their relationship.
Meanwhile, Cootie started gaining public attention. The businessmen tried to capitalize on Cootie’s fame by using him as a life-size mannequin to represent their brands. Cootie embraced his rising fame and accepted all possible ways to earn money. He became self-sufficient, and his life was going pretty well. However, with The Hero’s intervention, Cootie’s growing fame started to take a toll on him. The identity of the Twamp Monster, which Cootie once enjoyed, became a curse for him. The Hero started portraying Cootie as a terrifying villain in his comics and even in animated films. And people were enjoying Cootie as a villain, even though he was just a kid. The news of being labeled a villain for the city was extremely disturbing for Cootie, and he couldn’t keep his cool. He was just a regular teenager, whose gigantic size made him a public figure and was now tearing him down. But none of this, from fame to hate, was what Cootie actually wanted. He just wanted to lead a regular, normal life like everyone else—to have friends, a relationship, and the privilege of eating Bing Bang Burgers. However, all of these aspects of his life started falling apart.
As Cootie’s world crumbled around him, he decided to engage in attention-seeking activities. Obviously, he was a misguided child who had devoured fictional stories more than studied books since childhood. And while he was feeling the urge to prove his worth, his even weirder parents hyped up his urge and supported him with weapons that Martisse had been building for 28 years. By destroying the regulator of the power plant, Cootie tried to supply electricity to the town nonstop. However, Cootie was unaware that his impulsive act of destroying the power plant had unforeseen consequences. He failed to anticipate that the electricians would swiftly install a new regulator, rendering his attempt to supply nonstop electricity futile. This turn of events emphasized a crucial aspect of I’m a Virgo—the distinction between fantasy and reality.
The story aimed to showcase the practical world, where impulsive actions driven solely by emotions do not yield the desired outcomes. Cootie’s defeat as a humanitarian became a necessary narrative element to emphasize this reality. It showed that real-life development for human beings is a slow and ongoing process, requiring careful thought, consideration, and maturity. Through his mistake, Cootie learned a lesson. He realized that one impulsive act does not define a person as a hero or a villain. It only highlights the complexities of human nature and the need for individuals to approach life with patience and a measured approach.
What’s The Point Of ‘I’m a Virgo’?
Cootie’s character in the series was a powerful representation of the notion that people are often afraid of distinctiveness. His towering stature and extraordinary size made him inherently different from the people around him, evoking a mixture of awe, curiosity, and, at times, fear in others. Throughout the story, Cootie’s experiences reflect the complex relationship society had with individuals who possessed distinctive qualities or characteristics. As Cootie ventured beyond the confines of his home, he encountered a variety of reactions from people. Some individuals were more accepting and treated him with kindness and respect, while others reacted with fear or saw him as a threat. This fear came from the unfamiliarity of encountering someone who challenged preconceived notions of what was considered “normal.” Cootie’s image as a terrifying monster served as a reflection of society’s discomfort with the diversity of human characteristics. Moreover, Cootie felt extremely disturbed by the news of his being known as a villain and the public’s enjoyment of him in that role. It emphasized the emotional toll that society’s dread of individuality could take on individuals, sometimes leading them to doubt their own self-worth and identity.
By exploring Cootie’s journey, I’m a Virgo displays our society’s fear of uniqueness. Employing surrealistic visuals and bizarre storytelling, It challenges viewers to confront their own biases and preconceptions about those who deviate from societal norms. Cootie’s character reminds us of the importance of embracing diversity, celebrating individuality, and creating an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued, regardless of their unique qualities or characteristics.
