Beauty in Black
Despite receiving negative reviews and low ratings on IMDb (4.7/10) and Rotten Tomatoes (53% audience rating), Beauty in Black is presently the most popular Netflix series in the United States.This pattern is similar to Perry’s previous Netflix movie, Mea Culpa, which was criticized by critics despite originally doing well on the charts.
- Decider criticizes the show is heavy-handed style, especially in its dark and abusive opening episode.
- Ready Steady Cut thinks that Perry may be shielding himself from constructive criticism, implying that Beauty in Black would have been better if he had received more outside feedback.
The article emphasizes that while Netflix’s Top 10 rankings show popularity, they do not always represent quality.
As part of his multi-year first-look deal with Netflix, Perry is able to create and produce content just for the streaming service, including Beauty in Black.
The 16-episode series follows two women in Atlanta with contrasting lives:
- Kimmie, struggling to survive after being kicked out by her mother.
- Mallory, a successful business owner running a hair care empire.
In a story that blends the worlds of Atlanta’s strip club scene and a wealthy Black family in the hair care industry, their paths cross.
Perry was inspired by Atlanta’s real hair care industry and the strip club scene, especially the famous Magic City club, to imagine what might happen if these two worlds combined.
Beauty in Black is divided into two parts, however the reason for this division is not clearly explained.
Overall, Beauty in Black attracts fans while also drawing criticism, which is consistent with Tyler Perry’s most recent Netflix movies.