Review of Acrimony (2018)

Directed by Tyler Perry, Acrimony is a psychological thriller that explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge. Starring Taraji P. Henson in a powerhouse performance, the film tells the story of a woman’s descent into rage and obsession after feeling wronged by the man she devoted her life to.

Plot & Storyline

The film follows Melinda Moore (Taraji P. Henson), a loyal wife who supported her husband, Robert (Lyriq Bent), for years despite his struggles to achieve success as an inventor. She works tirelessly to keep their life afloat, even as Robert’s dream of creating a revolutionary battery seems to go nowhere.

However, after years of sacrifice, Melinda feels betrayed when Robert finally becomes wealthy—only after moving on with another woman. What starts as heartbreak soon turns into dangerous obsession, as Melinda refuses to accept her reality and seeks revenge.

The movie is structured with Melinda narrating the events, giving it an almost Fatal Attraction-like vibe. While the premise is compelling, the storytelling sometimes feels exaggerated, and the shift from emotional drama to full-blown psychological thriller is a bit abrupt.

Performance & Characters

• Taraji P. Henson delivers a gripping and emotionally intense performance, making Melinda’s descent into rage both believable and terrifying. She carries the film with her raw energy and emotional depth.
• Lyriq Bent (Robert) portrays a flawed but sympathetic character, making it difficult to see him purely as the villain.
• Crystal Stewart (Diana, Robert’s new love interest) plays a relatively one-dimensional role, serving as the catalyst for Melinda’s jealousy.

While the performances are strong, some of the characters lack depth, making it hard to fully sympathize with either Melinda or Robert.

Themes & Symbolism

The film explores several key themes:

• Resentment & Sacrifice – Melinda’s deep bitterness comes from feeling like she wasted her life supporting a man who ultimately left her behind.
• Mental Instability – The film raises questions about emotional trauma and the dangers of unchecked anger.
• Karma & Revenge – It challenges the idea of what justice looks like in a failed relationship.

While these themes are interesting, the film’s execution sometimes leans into melodrama rather than nuanced storytelling.

Cinematography & Direction

Tyler Perry’s direction includes dramatic flashbacks, dark lighting, and symbolic imagery to emphasize Melinda’s unraveling mental state. However, some of the editing choices and CGI-heavy scenes (especially in the climax) feel a bit over-the-top.

Final Verdict

Acrimony is an intense and emotional film that thrives on Taraji P. Henson’s commanding performance. While the story is engaging, its exaggerated drama and inconsistent pacing may not appeal to everyone. It’s an interesting psychological thriller, but the lack of depth in some characters and the melodramatic ending hold it back from being truly great.

⭐ 6.5/10 – A gripping but flawed thriller with a standout performance from Taraji P. Henson.