Beauty in Black review – Tyler Perry’s Netflix series is another lurid mess
The wildly successful mogul’s first drama series for the streamer is a disaster with one-dimensional characters and haphazard plotting
Mar 6, 2025, 23:15 IST
Beauty in Black is a new Netflix series whose main reason for being is to drive subscriptions. All eight of its hour-long episodes were written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry – a billionaire who measures the success of his streaming films and TV shows by that score.
Tyler Perry's Netflix series "Beauty in Black" has garnered significant attention since its premiere on October 24, 2024. The eight-episode drama centers on Kimmie, a sex worker aspiring to become a cosmetologist, and Mallory, the head of a beauty empire. The narrative delves into their intertwined lives, set against a backdrop of the beauty industry and personal struggles.
Critical Reception
The series has received mixed reviews. Andrew Lawrence of The Guardian criticized it as "another lurid mess," pointing out explicit content and weak character development. He noted that despite high production values, the series suffers from incoherent plotlines.
Similarly, Joel Keller from Decider highlighted the series' grim and predictable nature, mentioning that while the performances, especially by Crystle Stewart as Mallory Bellaire, stand out, the overall storyline lacks subtlety.
On the other hand, Essence acknowledged the series' indulgent and outrageous elements, suggesting that if viewed as sheer escapism, it offers a dose of indulgent fun. However, the lack of genuinely redeemable characters was noted as a drawback.
Viewer Feedback
Audience reactions have been varied. Some viewers expressed disappointment, labeling the show as a "misogynistic display" with poor acting and storyline.
Conclusion
"Beauty in Black" presents a complex narrative that has elicited a spectrum of responses. While some appreciate its audacious plot twists and soap opera-esque relationships, others criticize its explicit content and character development. As with many of Perry's works, the series has sparked conversation, leaving viewers to form their own opinions.