Divorce in the Black: A Tonally Mismatched Melodrama

Tyler Perry’s latest film, Divorce in the Black, is a tonally mismatched melodrama that fails to deliver on its promising premise. The film, which marks Perry’s first release for Prime Video, is a mess of poorly written scenes, over-the-top schlock, and rigid moral code.

Tone-deaf direction

The film opens with a wild and entertaining scene, where a preacher delivers a sermon at a funeral, and things quickly escalate into chaos. However, this promising start is soon bogged down by poor writing and lack of nuance. The story follows Ava, a successful and loving woman, and her husband Dallas, who is a constant source of misery. Their marriage is struggling, and Dallas’s desire for a divorce sends Ava into a tailspin.

Ava, the benevolent angel

Perry’s script fails to give his characters room to breathe, and they are reduced to symbols of good and evil. Dallas is a thinly sketched cartoon villain, while Ava is a one-dimensional angel. The film’s moral code is rigid and unforgiving, with no room for negotiation or nuance. This results in a story that is predictable, boring, and frustrating.

Dallas, the succubus of misery

The film’s melodrama is stifling, and the plot twists are telegraphed long before they happen. The third act descends into predictable and tired violence, which is more ridiculous than impactful. It’s a frustrating step back for Perry, who has shown his capabilities with films like A Jazzman’s Blues.

The outrageous sermon

In Conclusion

Divorce in the Black is a disappointing film that fails to deliver on its promise. With its poor writing, lack of nuance, and rigid moral code, it’s a mess that’s more frustrating than entertaining. Tyler Perry’s fans deserve better, and Prime Video deserves more thoughtful content.

Divorce in the Black: A failed experiment