By tf-lawyer.com In our latest interview, we took a closer look at Tyler Perry’s newest venture, “Beauty in Black,” the first drama series he has created for Netflix. Despite Perry’s impressive track record as a mogul, this show has drawn mixed reviews, with critiques highlighting its lack of depth in character development and incoherent storytelling.
Perry, a billionaire known for turning creative projects into subscription gold, wrote, produced, and directed all eight hour-long episodes. On the surface, “Beauty in Black” tells the story of two women leading starkly contrasting lives: Kimmie, portrayed by Taylor Polidore Williams, is a sex worker with dreams of a new life in cosmetology, while Mallory, played by Crystle Stewart, reigns over a beauty empire that intertwines with Kimmie’s grim reality. Yet, the execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a series that many describe as overtly sensational and pornographic — the first Perry production to receive a TV-MA rating.
From the onset of the pilot, viewers are thrust into a seedy strip club environment filled with explicit scenes that some might find shocking. The narrative quickly darkens with episodes that touch on serious subjects like violence and sexual assault, painting a bleak picture of the characters’ world.
When asked about the intent behind the show, some speculate Perry might be trying to tap into the success of other streaming platforms like Tubi, which have flourished by resonating with Black audiences. Tubi has earned a reputation for producing raw and unconventional content that ranges from charmingly bad to surprisingly heartfelt. Perry’s take, however, seems to miss the mark, failing to create relatable characters whom viewers can connect with or root for.
Critics have pointed out that Kimmie’s characterization is frustratingly stagnant; portrayed as dim-witted and ineffective, she often prompts criticism without offering scenes of empowerment or growth. Instead of witnessing her transformation firsthand, we’re given her best friend’s narratives while she recuperates from a disastrous cosmetic procedure.
The characters often seem to wallow in negativity, presenting a world where no one particularly shines as a hero. Even the typically exaggerated portrayal of Mallory feels particularly bitter, drifting further from the kind of humor Perry used to deliver in his earlier works.
In terms of production quality, “Beauty in Black” does boast impressive visuals and aesthetics, with some scenes showcasing beautiful locations that might distract viewers from the narrative’s shortcomings.
Tyler Perry has historically expressed gratitude towards his Christian fan base, who have supported his various endeavors from stage plays to film. However, this latest project may alienate some longtime fans, as it represents a stark departure from the wholesome narratives that initially defined his career. Perry’s foray into darker themes might signal a broader exploration of his creative range, but it raises questions about the appropriateness of such a shift in today’s cultural landscape.
As the streaming wars continue and the conversation around provocative content evolves, “Beauty in Black” serves as a stark reminder of the challenges artists face when venturing into new territory. With a potential shift in tone, many are left wondering what Perry’s next steps will be—perhaps a revival of Madea, but with a twist. “Beauty in Black” is now available to stream on Netflix.
