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★
Directed by: #TylerPerry
Written by: #TylerPerry
Starring: #CrystalFox, #BreshaWebb, #PhyliciaRashad, #MehcadBrooks, #CicelyTyson, #TylerPerry
In his first feature since retiring the quasi-drag queen persona Madea, Tyler Perry directs the latest Netflix thriller, A Fall from Grace.
When cookie-baking grandmother Grace (Crystal Fox) is charged for the murder of her husband, public defender Jasmine Bryant (Bresha Webb) delves into the 'open and shut case', discovering something much more sinister at play.
Where do we start with A Fall from Grace? The film literally begins with a fall. If you're expecting subtle messaging from this movie, then you've come to the wrong place.
In Perry's Netflix debut, audiences are confronted with bland performances, nausea-inducing tonal swings, jarring editing transitions and a nonsensical plot. In short, this movie is the perfect choice for a drunken evening with friends, with a broad selection of jaw dropping moments and laughs to be had as the film reaches its salacious and twisty climax. Inane dialogue featuring the mention of 'ChristianDateOnline.com.' induces a reality check, leaving yourself to ask 'am I really watching this movie?'. Clunky sequences, odd courtroom theatrics and blunt interactions between mismatched actors tainted any potential that this outrageously twist-fuelled movie had in the first place.
Reportedly shot over five days, Perry revisits his bookmarked themes from previous projects. This legal melodrama focuses on a devout and law-abiding woman who is wronged by her husband, a charming and attentive young man hiding behind a mask. Once the final credits roll, the audience is still left with some unanswered questions that leave a bitter aftertaste.
Although many of the performances did nothing to enhance the film, Perry in his role as Jasmine's cold and unfeeling boss proves yet again that he can provide solid performances as an actor, as demonstrated in Gone Girl. Veteran actress Fox brought a natural vulnerability to her role as Grace, showcasing her versatile acting abilities after her chilling performance as Zoe Kravitz's mother in the latest season of Big Little Lies. The legendary Cicely Tyson (The Help, How to Get Away With Murder) returns in a small but memorable role, leaving quite an impression and inspiring some more expressive reactions from viewers.
Initially, A Fall from Grace appears to be a candid cautionary tale but soon becomes a spiralling mess attempting to embrace broader themes, taking a bigger bite than it can swallow, choking and spluttering as the movie comes to a close. The abrupt shift from melodrama to violent thriller is an unsettling tonal change but is guaranteed to make the experience a lot more enjoyable if shared with friends who have a sense of humour.
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