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Divorce in the Black, the latest film directed by Tyler Perry, has not been a favorite with the critics. Released on July 11, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video, the film has mostly received negative views from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, while the viewers have responded with mixed reviews.
As of writing, Divorce in the Black holds a 0% rating on the Tomatometer, with reviews from 10 critics coming in at the time of writing. The Audience Score is 53%, which is still deemed "Rotten."
Divorce in the Black is about a woman, Ava, who is trying to come out of a relationship with her abusive husband, Dallas. As the latter starts lapsing more and more into toxicity, the story takes a grim turn.
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The official synopsis of the film reads:
"Ava, a young bank professional is devastated when her husband Dallas abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate."
The film stars Meagan Good as Ava and Cory Hardrict as Dallas, while Joseph Lee Anderson plays Benji, Ava’s friend and close confidant.
Divorce in the Black has a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes
As of writing, Divorce in the Black has a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from 10 critics so far. The percentage might change with more reviews. However, the critical consensus seems that it is Perry’s weakest directorial effort.
Among the critic reviews featured on Rotten Tomatoes, Andrew Lawrence of The Guardian thinks this is Perry’s “worst film to date”. Another critic, Mary Kassel from Screen Rant, thinks:
“With inconsistent pacing and tonal shifts that make the audience question the story’s purpose, Divorce in the Black doesn’t stand out.”
However, the audience has been more favorable in their assessment of the film. Though still labeled “Rotten” with a 53% audience rating, some viewers have praised certain aspects of the film. For example, Shateria C thinks that the movie has a “good storyline and message that people need to see.”
While the audience reaction is not overwhelmingly positive, it is much more encouraging than the critics’ take on the film.
Perry's other films on Rotten Tomatoes
When it comes to ratings from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Perry’s highest-rated directorial effort is A Jazzman's Blues (2022), with a 65% rating. I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009), in which Perry directed and acted in the role of the famous Mabel "Madea" Simmons, is a close second, with a 61% rating from critics.
The audience, however, thinks that the best Tyler Perry directorial venture is Madea Goes to Jail (2009).
Despite such highs, Perry's filmography, as Rotten Tomatoes shows, has mostly garnered mixed responses over the years. Screen Rant reports that out of his 45 movies, only nine have ever been rated "Fresh," with only two being given "Certified Fresh" ratings. In fact, 30 of Perry's movies have been labeled "Rotten."
Divorce in the Black highlights one feature that has been characteristic of Perry’s films on Rotten Tomatoes: his films often divide the critics and the audience.
To take some examples, while A Madea Homecoming (2022), Madea Goes to Jail (2009), and Madea's Family Reunion (2006) got 36%, 29%, and 26% ratings from the critics, respectively, the same films have fetched 76%, 95% and 93% ratings from the viewers, respectively.
Divorce in the Black: Plot and cast
The film revolves around the toxic relationship between Ava and Dallas. As the latter becomes more and more abusive, the former starts confiding in Benji, a friend. When Ava finally signs the divorce paper, Dallas starts stalking her and asking her for a second chance.
As Ava refuses a reunion, Dallas hurts Benji and Ava’s family. Unable to tolerate it any longer, Ava collects proof of his abusive behavior, and when he approaches her with violent intent, she shoots him down. She then settles down with Benji.
The cast includes Meagan Good as Ava, Cory Hardrict as Dallas, Joseph Lee Anderson as Benji, Shannon Wallace as Jim, Taylor Polidore as Rona, Richard Lawson as Clarence, and Debbi Morgan as Gene.
Divorce in the Black is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
