The Tyler Perry cinematic universe is expanding. The latest from the prolific producer, writer, and director is Mea Culpa, a new steamy thriller starring Kelly Rowland (The Curse of Bridge Hollow), who is also a producer on the film.
Also starring are Trevante Rhodes (Bruiser, Bird Box), Sean Sagar (The Gentlemen), Nick Sagar (The Princess Switch), and RonReaco Lee (Nappily Ever After), the film centers around a criminal defense attorney who takes on the case of a seductive artist accused of murdering his girlfriend, but when burning desire takes hold things get hot… and dangerous. . “This idea came to me because I love all of those older thrillers from the ’80s and ’90s,” Perry tells Tudum. “It was fun to explore the best and worst of humanity through the genre of an exotic thriller.”
When it came to working with his leading lady and co-producer, Perry says Rowland challenged him — in a good way. “I never had an experience where I was working with someone who had so many great ideas to bring to the table,” he says. “As a producer, she was fantastic.” Rowland felt the same way about Perry, telling Tudum that the director was always open to exploring her creative ideas. “It was just so easy to work with him and if there was ever any moment where he was uncertain about something, he would say, ‘Well, let’s discuss it and then let’s try it.’ But it was all about communicating.” And for Rhodes, it was an easy decision to join the project. “I told Tyler ‘yes’ before he sent the script,” he says. “We cookin’. ”
There’s no Mea Culpa without Rowland and Rhodes, and “the chemistry is electric,” says Perry. Rowland agrees: “Trevante is a dream. I feel very lucky to have shared space with him on camera, and I admire his work ethic. And when we met, it was chemistry.” See for yourself when the film comes to Netflix on Feb. 23.
Mea Culpa marks Perry’s fourth project for Netflix, and he’s currently working on his fifth: Six Triple Eight, the true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to be stationed overseas during World War II, starring Kerry Washington.
Is Perry booked and busy? Guilty as charged. More inside and trailer….
When criminal defense attorney Mea Harper (Kelly Rowland) takes on the murder case of artist Zyair Malloy (Trevante Rhodes), the truth isn’t as obvious as it seems. While she tries to determine the innocence or guilt of her cagy-yet-seductive client, it is uncovered that everyone is guilty of something. Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa explores what happens when burning desire takes hold and things get hot… and dangerous.
