A thriller-drama that critics panned but audiences flocked to on Amazon Prime Video
In short: Tyler Perry's 2024 film Divorce in the Black faced harsh critical reception, yet it shattered internal records for new subscriber sign-ups. While reviewers criticized the plot and character development, the film resonated with viewers, proving that audience engagement can sometimes exist entirely outside the sphere of professional critical consensus.
Released on July 11, 2024, Divorce in the Black marks a departure from Tyler Perry's signature Madea franchise. The film stars Meagan Good as Ava, a bank professional whose marriage to Dallas, played by Cory Hardrict, descends into a dangerous cycle of abuse and conflict. The narrative follows Ava's journey to reclaim her safety and autonomy after discovering the dark history of her husband's family, culminating in a violent confrontation that forces her to act in self-defense.
The production was part of a four-film deal between Tyler Perry Studios and Amazon Studios, announced in November 2022. Filming took place primarily in Atlanta, Georgia, throughout 2023, utilizing locations such as Tech Square and Tyler Perry Studios. The film’s aesthetic, characterized by dim lighting and deliberate set design, was intended to mirror the emotional volatility of the protagonists. The project also featured a diverse 11-track soundtrack including artists like Beyoncé and Chris Stapleton.
Despite the film's commercial success—garnering 498 million minutes of watch time in its first four days and ranking third on Nielsen's streaming chart for the week of July 8 to 14, 2024—the critical response was overwhelmingly negative. Reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 0% approval rating, with critics from outlets like The Guardian and Decider labeling it a dull or shabby melodrama. Conversely, cast members like Cory Hardrict defended the work, emphasizing that the film was created for the audience rather than the critics, highlighting a distinct divide between professional reception and viewer interest.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Divorce in the Black
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