Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (2008) - Ensemble Drama Film Explores Family Bonds

Overview of Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys

Tyler Perry's 2008 drama film "The Family That Preys" features an ensemble cast of talented actors including Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Sanaa Lathan, Rockmond Dunbar, KaDee Strickland, and Taraji P. Henson. Directed, written, and produced by Perry himself, the film explores themes of family, friendship, romance, scandal, and betrayal.

Plot Summary

"The Family That Preys" centers around two very different families living in Georgia - the wealthy socialite Fillmore family and the working-class Bennet family. Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodard) and Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates) have been best friends since childhood despite coming from completely different backgrounds. Their daughters Andrea (Sanaa Lathan) and Pam (Taraji P. Henson) are also close friends.

Andrea is a rising executive at her mother's successful catering company. She's engaged to construction mogul Chris (Rockmond Dunbar), who happens to be the son of Charlotte. Meanwhile, Pam is a hard-working mother supporting her family as a diner waitress. Her husband Ben (Perry) works for Andrea's mother as a driver.

When the families embark on a cross-country road trip, long-brewing rivalries and hidden betrayals rise to the surface. Andrea and Chris' relationship is tested when she discovers his infidelity. At the same time, passion ignites between Pam and her mother-in-law's contractor William (Cole Hauser).

As tensions mount, a major scandal erupts that threatens to destroy lives and leave both families changed forever.

Themes and Analysis

"The Family That Preys" explores several complex themes relating to family, race, class, infidelity, and forgiveness. Though Charlotte and Alice come from vastly different backgrounds, their lifelong friendship demonstrates the power of sisterhood over social status. However, their daughters struggle to maintain the same closeness as jealousies arise over their divergent lifestyles.

The film offers a nuanced look at social mobility and class divides within the African American community. While Andrea enjoys wealth and privilege, Pam struggles to support her family through waitressing work. Their contrasting experiences shine a light on socioeconomic inequality.

Romantic relationships take center stage as both Chris and Andrea, and Pam and Ben, grapple with the heartbreak of infidelity. Their stories parallel one another despite their economic differences. In the end, the characters must find their way back to each other through honesty, forgiveness, and compassion.

At its heart, "The Family That Preys" emphasizes the strength of family even in the darkest of times. Though severely tested, the connections between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives ultimately give the characters the resilience to heal.

Reception and Legacy

"The Family That Preys" was a box office hit, grossing over $37 million against a $20 million budget. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising the cast's performances while others felt the melodramatic plot was predictable.

However, the film cemented Tyler Perry's reputation as a director able to assemble top-tier Black talent while telling relatable stories about the Black American experience. It also highlighted Alfre Woodard and Sanaa Lathan's dramatic talents in roles diverging from their most famous work.

Along with other Perry hits like "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Madea's Family Reunion," "The Family That Preys" demonstrated the commercial viability of films by and for African American audiences. Its place in Perry's influential filmography has made the movie a memorable touchstone in 2000s Black cinema.

Though over a decade old now, "The Family That Preys" showcases themes of family, friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness that still resonate strongly with audiences today. With its star-studded cast and emotional narrative, the film endures as one of Tyler Perry's big-screen successes.

FAQs

Who are the main characters in The Family That Preys?

The main characters are Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodard) and Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates), lifelong best friends from different backgrounds, as well as their daughters Andrea (Sanaa Lathan) and Pam (Taraji P. Henson). Other key characters include Chris (Rockmond Dunbar), Andrea's fiancé, and Ben (Tyler Perry), Pam's husband.

What is the plot of The Family That Preys about?

The plot centers around the intertwined lives of the wealthy Pratt family and working-class Bennet family, who embark on a tense cross-country road trip that brings long-brewing rivalries and betrayals to the surface. Romantic relationships are tested as both Andrea and Pam deal with their husbands' infidelity.

What are the main themes of the movie?

Key themes include family, friendship, social class, infidelity, and forgiveness. The lifelong bond between Alice and Charlotte demonstrates the power of female friendship over social differences. The film also examines issues of socioeconomic mobility and inequality within the African American community.

How did critics receive The Family That Preys?

Reviews were mixed - some praised the cast and performances while others felt the melodramatic plot was predictable. However, the film was a box office success and cemented Tyler Perry's reputation as a director and storyteller.

Why is The Family That Preys considered significant?

Along with other Perry films, it demonstrated the commercial potential of movies by and for Black audiences. Its themes of family bonds resonated strongly with viewers. The cast of talented African American actors like Alfre Woodard also bolstered its cultural significance.