Beauty in Black Part 1 Review: Beauty, Betrayal, and Survival
Alright, so let’s start off by saying this is different from the “Down on my Luck, Back against the Winddd”, playwriting Tyler Perry that we are all used to. “Beauty In Black” is the latest Netflix hit written, produced, and directed by Tyler Perry. Those that deep dived in found themselves in a world of drama, lies, sex, and more SEX!
The 8 episode series starring Taylor Polidore, Crystle Stewart, Ricco Ross, Richard Lawson, Charles Malik Whitfield, Debbi Morgan and many other talented actors follow the complex lives of the Bellaire family and those impacted by them.
On one side of town, you have the esteemed Bellaire Family. They are noted as moguls in the Beauty Industry, yet family secrets threaten to rip everything that generations have worked for to shreds. CEO Mallory Bellaire (Crystle Stewart), although married into the family, is just as cut-throat and selfish as every other member of the family! She has no problem using people to get what she wants, when she wants. The same goes for her husband, Roy (Julian Horton). If Roy focused half as much energy into helping the family business or even his marriage as he does sex, alcohol, and drugs, maybe things would be different for them.
On the other side, Kimmie (Taylor Polidore) finds herself in some legal trouble after being kicked out at 17 years old by her mom. After avoiding jail time, she is coerced into paying off her debt at a Bi-Sexual strip club in Chicago, owned and operated underground by Jules (Charles Malik Whitfield). A chance encounter with an older man (Ricco Ross) at the club offers her a glimpse of hope in a rather dull situation. Her journey is one of many trials and tribulations as she navigates through betrayal, prostitution, and a whole lot of drama!
Whew! Dynamics and representation within the Black Community highlight different issues as stereotypical topics are noted. Such as how one views societal beauty standards, financial stressors within families and options to make it out of poverty as well as how someone shows up for the people they love. The plot skillfully shows the drive and will of the characters to survive throughout the series aid in the resilient storylines that follow.
Overall, Perry’s unique and consistent way of storytelling and cinematography gives the perfect blend of emotional impact and drama that leaves the audience invested and wanting more!
“Beauty In Black” is scheduled to release new episodes in Spring 2025. Until then, you can stream all 8 episodes now on Netflix.
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
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Love this Neen perfect synopsis!