Director: Tyler Perry
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Sheppard, Teyana Taylor
Running Time: 108 minutes
Synopsis: Single mom Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson) lives in poverty and struggles to look after her daughter Aria, who has severe health issues. During one bad day, Janiyah is fired from her job, loses her car, and is evicted from her apartment, while Aria is seized by concerned social workers. The desperate Janiyah confronts her ex-boss then instigates a bank robbery stand-off. Bank manager Nicole (Sherri Sheppard) is caught among the hostages, and police detective Kay Raymond (Teyana Taylor) tries to untangle the crisis.
What Works Well: A powerful blend of Dog Day Afternoon, Falling Down, and John Q, here director and writer Tyler Perry explores the depths of despair confronting the working poor. With her daughter's illness stretching finances beyond the breaking point, Janiyah finds every door slamming in her face, until the cascade of catastrophes leads her to the bank with a gun. What follows is an emotional showdown encompassing multiple generations of black women, perspective clashes, instant celebrity culture, and unexpected empathy. Taraji P. Henson's forceful yet poignant performance propels the drama, and Perry surrounds Janiyah with mostly black characters representing the community's spectrum.
What Does Not Work As Well: The emotional dial is always on high, but the energy level in the third act notably sags. A blundering intervention by the FBI is a misstep in the otherwise carefully constructed circle of catalysts surrounding Janiyah. Perry effectively deploys one twist, but offers one too many resolutions.
Key Quote:
Nicole (to Janiyah): It seems like you had a lot to get over today.
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