Spoilers are ahead for Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black.
Discussion of the film’s depiction of intimate partner violence and physical abuse.
Summary
Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black, a dramatic thriller starring Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict, boasts a conclusion that received backlash on social media, prompting viewers and non-viewers alike to wonder what happens inDivorce in the Black’s ending — and what it all means for the characters. Although Perry’s film surged to the top of Amazon Prime Video’s most-watched list upon its release,Divorce in the Blackbroke a Rotten Tomatoes recordbylanding an unwavering score of 0% from critics. Audiences have been less harsh on the movie, giving it a 74% aggregate score.
InDivorce in the Black, Good plays Ava, a religious woman who does everything in her power to save her marriage to Dallas (Hardrict). Heartbroken when Dallas eventually leaves and abandons their marriage, Ava finds comfort in her friend Benji (Joseph Lee Anderson), who, it becomes clear, has always been her soulmate.Just as Ava gets a renewed chance at true love, Dallas' malicious side comes backto haunt her, forcing Ava to confront her ex’s long-time abuse and manipulation. All of this culminates in an unhinged finale forDivorce in the Black’s cast of characters.
Ava Kills Dallas In Divorce In The Black’s Ending
Tyler Perry’s Thriller Ends With Ava Fatally Shooting Her Abuser
Alone in her house with Dallas, a bloodied and bruised Ava clambers toward her phone and calls the police, telling them that her ex-husband broke into her home and assaulted her.A furious Dallas threatens to kill Avabefore the cops show up, butDivorce in the Black’s protagonist has other plans. Ava reaches down and grabs a shotgun that she hid under the kitchen counter, leveling it at her abusive ex. Dallas taunts Ava, assuming she won’t have the strength to pull the trigger, but he’s very wrong. Ava fires the shotgun, killing Dallas instantly.
Ava assures [Dallas' mother] that they’re done, and leaves the hospital triumphantly.
Relieved,Ava stands over Dallas' body and puts down her weapon. Outside, an ambulance rushes to the scene. Ava sits on the edge of the ambulance while EMTs tend to her bruises and cuts. Eventually, Benji arrives and embraces Ava tightly. Although he can’t believe what’s happened — and what Ava has been through — his relief is palpable. The scene then cuts back to the hospital. As Ava and Benji escort Ava’s parents out of the building, they run into Dallas' family. Although Dallas' mother makes threats, Ava assures her that they’re done, and leaves the hospital triumphantly.
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Ava “Baits” Dallas Into Hitting Her
Meagan Good’s Character Finally Confronts Dallas
Since Dallas has been able to evade accountability the whole movie, Ava decides that she’ll need evidence of his abuse in order to be believed by law enforcement. Headed home alone, Ava calls Dallas, knowing that he’ll follow her to the house. Once there, Ava swigs wine and waits for her manipulative ex-husband. When Dallas arrives, he’s looking to take his frustrations out on Benji, but Ava is alone.Ava tries to get Dallas to confess to harming her mother and father— and Dallas continues to deny his actions, all while threateningly placing a handgun on the counter.
Ava believes “baiting” Dallas into hitting her — and marking her body with bruises — is the only way to prove her case against him.
Perhaps the most frustrating element ofTyler Perry’s lukewarmDivorce in the Blackis that Ava believes “baiting” Dallas into hitting her — and marking her body with bruises — is the only way to prove her case against him. To stoke his anger, Ava talks about sleeping with Benji, comparing the great sex she’s having now to the lackluster relationship she and Dallas shared.Emasculated, Dallas strikes Ava, knocking her to the floor. When Ava continues to mock Dallas, he becomes even more violent, choking and throwing her. When Ava has enough “evidence,” she calls the police.
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The Police Refuse To Believe Dallas Harmed Clarence Without Evidence
Ava Devises A Plan To Expose Dallas' Abuse
After Dallas' family brutally attacks Ava’s father, Clarence (Richard Lawson), Ava feels her ex-husband has crossed a new line. At the hospital, Ava, Benji, and Ava’s mother, Gene (Debbi Morgan), sit by Clarence’s bedside. An unhelpful sheriff tells them that there’s nothing he can do without Clarence’s side of the story. As it stands,Dallas and his family have denied any wrongdoingand, according to the officer, there’s no evidence of Dallas' crimes. Frustrated, Benji tries to convince the sheriff that Dallas has gotten away with a lot — which is when Ava heads home to confront Dallas.
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Dallas' Family Attacks Ava’s Father Clarence
Ava Takes Matters Into Her Own Hands After Her Father Is Targeted
After Dallas harasses Ava’s mother, Pastor Clarence tosses a bunch of guns into his car and speeds off to confront Dallas at his family home. Upon arriving, Clarence runs into Dallas' mother, who threatens him and defends her son. When Dallas appears out of the shadows, he walks toward Clarence, seemingly unafraid of the gun in Clarence’s hands. While Dallas distracts Clarence with his words, Dallas' brothers quietly surround Clarence. Completely ambushed,Clarence is beaten badly before Dallas' mom calls the men off. Eventually, Ava and Benji arrive on the scene and rush Clarence to the hospital.
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What Divorce In The Black’s Ending Really Means
The Movie Tries To Explore Themes Of Discovering “Self-Worth”
There’s no denying thatDivorce in the Blackis a wild ride, especially as the movie barrels toward its intense conclusion. Ultimately, Dallas' death means that Ava can pursue love with Benji without looking over her shoulder constantly. While Perry’s decision to have Ava willingly invite more abuse for the sake of “evidence” is distasteful at best, the film’s stars have noted thatDivorce in the Blackaims to have a hopeful message.According to Meagan Good, who plays Ava, the film is all about “self-worth"and realizing that something terrible can actually be “a blessing” (viaTODAY.com).
Tyler Perry’sDivorce in the Blackstreams exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black
Ava, a young bank professional, is heartbroken when her husband Dallas leaves her. Despite her determination to save the marriage, fate reveals Dallas' deceitful actions, which not only ruined their relationship but also prevented Ava from being with her true soulmate.
