Tyler Perry’s latest film, “Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black,” which premiered on July 11, has sparked widespread discussion on social media.
In the movie, Meagan Good portrays Ava, the daughter of a preacher and a devout woman willing to do anything to salvage her marriage. However, when her husband Dallas, played by Cory Hardrict, decides to leave her, Ava discovers his true abusive nature and seeks solace in her longtime friend turned lover, Benji (Joseph Lee Anderson).
During a joint interview with TODAY.com, Good and Hardrict reflected on their roles in the film. Good admitted that while she has experienced divorce herself, she did not fully identify with Ava’s journey in the movie.
“Sometimes, the character you play is distinct from your personal experiences. Although I can empathize with Ava, her story remains her own,” she shared with TODAY.com.
Hardrict, who has also gone through a public divorce with his ex-wife Tia Mowry, echoed this sentiment.
“Dallas is nothing like me, Cory. I didn’t draw from personal experiences of violence or anger; that’s not who I am. Besides, I don’t drink alcohol,” he explained. “Dallas had struggles with alcohol, which required intense preparation and study to portray authentically.”
Since its release on July 12, Perry’s film has garnered mixed reviews, earning a 0% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 10 reviews and a 51% audience score. Social media has been ablaze with varying opinions about the film.
One viewer on X criticized it as a “typical Tyler Perry film.”
“‘Divorce in The Black.’ This movie was terrible,” they wrote. “The storyline lacked depth, the cast was uninspiring, the acting was poor, and the direction was subpar. It’s a typical Tyler Perry narrative: an abused woman, a villainous man, and a better man who ends up with the woman.”
Another commenter pointed out “numerous plot holes” in the film.
“Why does Tyler Perry recycle the same characters in every movie? There’s always a single father, a woman struggling with self-esteem who finds empowerment, and a praying mother or grandmother. He desperately needs fresh writers!” they remarked.
A third viewer expressed disappointment, saying, “I wish I could get my time back!!”
Despite these criticisms, some viewers found merit in the film.
On X, one fan praised it, saying, “Divorce in The Black was quite compelling. Meagan Good channeled Tina Turner/Jennifer Lopez vibes from ‘Enough,’ and Cory Hardrict nailed his role as Dallas. Taylor Polidore also delivered a standout performance as the best friend.”
Another social media user agreed, recommending the film, “Regardless of your familiarity with similar stories or any biases against Tyler Perry movies, ‘Divorce in The Black’ is worth watching. I highly recommend it.”
For more details on “Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black” and its conclusion, continue reading.
How Does ‘Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black’ Conclude?
The conclusion of “Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black” sees Ava taking decisive action against Dallas after he and his criminal family attack her father, Pastor Clarence (Richard Lawson).
Dallas’ violent actions against Clarence become the breaking point for Ava, who has endured multiple instances of abuse and stalking from him. Despite reporting these incidents to the police after their separation, Ava was informed that without concrete evidence of Dallas’ violent behavior, little could be done.
However, everything changes towards the film’s climax. When Dallas’ family retaliates against her father, assaulting him and even shooting him in the leg after he confronts them at their residence armed, Ava decides to take matters into her own hands.
While her father recuperates in the hospital, Ava devises a plan to lure Dallas to her home under the pretense of introducing him to her new partner, Benji. Once Dallas arrives, enraged, Ava provokes him, prompting him to physically assault her, leaving visible bruises on her body.
Armed with evidence of the abuse, Ava informs Dallas that she intends to call the police and have him arrested. However, the situation escalates dramatically when Dallas refuses to leave Ava’s home, forcing her to defend herself. As Dallas charges towards her, Ava shoots him, resulting in his immediate death.
Reflecting on the film’s intense portrayal of love turned tragic, Good shared with TODAY.com a poignant takeaway about self-worth and resilience.
“I hope the film resonates with viewers about self-love and recognizing one’s worth,” she expressed. “Sometimes, what initially seems like a devastating experience can become a catalyst for empowering others who can relate to similar struggles.”
Related topics:
