Tyler Perry’s Duplicity is rated R by the Motion Picture Rating (MPA) for language and violence.
Ever wondered what it’s like to uncover a shocking secret that changes everything? Duplicity, Tyler Perry’s latest film, tries to blend real-world issues like police shootings with a twisty mystery, but ends up feeling more like a soap opera than a gripping thriller. If you’re into dramatic, over-the-top stories with a touch of absurdity, this might catch your attention—but don’t expect it to be the next big thing.
The plot begins with the lead character, Marley, portrayed by Kat Graham – or at least her alter ego , a highly ambitious lawyer who is also incredibly proficient. She grew to be a strong black woman trying to balance between her job and a tumultuous relationship with Tony, a former police officer now working as a private investigator. Marley best friend is Fela (Meghan tandy) who is a newscaster married to Roday (Joshua Adeyeye) but their marriage is troubled. There is palpable tension and one gets the feeling that something is off with regard to their relationship. When Rodney is shot and killed by policemen while he was attempting to discharge a firearm at them in a well-to-do neighborhood, the life of all the players changes dramatically.
The specific event describes how one day Rodney, the protagonist of the show, just walks through a rich neighborhood with his hands in his pockets and does not harm anyone when an old woman decides to call the police because she thinks that he looks suspicious. Kevin (RonReaco Lee), an experienced officer, and the young Caleb (Jimi Stanton) are on the call. The situation gets worse when Rodney grabs for his cell phone, prompting the officers to shoot him dead. Following the shooting, Fela is distressed, Marley is committed to pursuing justice, and protests engulf the city due to the shooting. Caleb is held responsible for the shooting while Kevin dismisses any responsibility claiming ignorance of the incidence.
The narration shows that as Marley continues to investigate the family’s past, she finds new and concealed truths.
From ‘‘Gone Girl’’’s opening shot of an all-too-familiar image, the police shooting an unarmed black man, our protagonist appears farther from total clarity than ever. Body cam footage is found but the audience does not get to watch it immediately. Marley does, and her reaction indicates that there is more to the story than what we are seeing. This is where the movie aims at getting in your head and confusing you, but rather than developing a suspense the plot is hiding some very important information to make you think.
And the interpersonal connections between the characters make it even more interesting. This was evident when Fela battled immense grief and financial pressure, and Marley and Tony pushed each other as they sought to get to the bottom of the heist. Kevin, the veteran police officer, has his own axes to grind and his exchanges with Caleb indicate that there is more to the relationship between the two police officers than meets the eye. The movie is packed full of intense discussions and stand-off scenes coupled with emotional outbursts and characters with hidden agendas.
Shortly, Duplicity goes from being a smart, slick and stylish thriller into full-blown B-movie territory. Subplots are revealed in the forms of hidden videos, exposing shady business deals, and appearances of antagonists out of nowhere, making it look more like an action movie. Far from presenting highlights that would heighten the thrill of exploring the conspiracy and unfurling the mystery, the climax of The Neon Demon offers up moments best described as resembling a very melodramatic telenovela. The last chapters offer a solution the reader is expected to find provocative, which may be funny, but does not bring that sense of harmony common to procedures of sham closure.
The tone of Duplicity can best be described as mysterious and dramatic, and full of arguing and screaming. It is the sort of film where people scream continuously, people betray each other at the worst times and everything seems amplified. If you have ever marathoned a Tyler Perry movie before, then you know what awaits you: outlandish drama, complicated interpersonal drama, and a story where no one is really innocent.
What works? The cast gives it their all, especially Kat Graham, who brings a lot of energy to her role as Marley. The movie also keeps you guessing—sort of. There are moments where you’ll wonder who’s telling the truth and who’s hiding something. But here’s the catch: the mystery isn’t as clever as it wants to be. Key details are left out, and the plot relies on characters making questionable decisions to keep things moving. By the time the big reveal happens, it feels more ridiculous than satisfying.
If you’re a fan of Tyler Perry’s other movies or enjoy shows with dramatic twists and turns, Duplicity might be worth a watch. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful take on police shootings or a well-crafted mystery, this probably isn’t it. Think of it like a mix between a daytime soap opera and a low-budget thriller—it’s got drama, but it’s not exactly groundbreaking.
Overall, Duplicity is a decent pick if you’re in the mood for something dramatic and a little messy. Just don’t expect it to stick with you long after the credits roll.
Tyler Perry’s Duplicity Parents Guide:
Violence & Gore: The movie features highly sensitive scenes which include one of the police officers shooting an innocent Black man who is unarmed. The different consequences of the case are examined, but the body cam footage itself is not showcased.
There is a use of violence in different degrees, with examples of characters yell at each other or gesticulate threateningly. A man is depicted reaching for his phone; this action results in an unfortunate shooting debacle.
Protest and shooting aftermath are brutal scenes such as violence, yelling, and confrontations with police.
There are uses of physical force, especially when tempers run high especially in matters affecting close family members or close friends.
Profanity: The film contains strong language as there is use of “fk,” “st” and other instance of profanity. In the topic of police brutality and debates regarding race and justice, people frequently make references to racially sensitive terms. This category involves cases where characters get into a disagreement and start cursing each other and insulting one another.
Sex & Nudity: Many love scenes include an erotic kiss and some scenes suggest intimacy, but there are no effects and no nakedness is depicted.
Profanity and sexual references are made at some points between the characters. Seductive dressing by the female characters, especially in scenes that depict partying and night clubs.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: There is profanity throughout the film, especially by the characters when they are angry or frustrated, and characters are also seen drinking alcohol in various scenes.Although references to drugs are made during the film, no actual scenes showing people using them are depicted.There are instances of smoking, though this is not an issue explored at length in the film.
Overall Content Warning: Duplicity is not suitable for children due to its mature themes, violence, strong language, and adult content.
Director: Tyler Perry
Starring: Kat Graham, Meagan Tandy, and Tyler Lepley
Release date: March 20, 2025 (United States)