Tyler Perry’s new Netflix film, Tyler Perry’s Doing Life, follows a single mother and a reformed ex-convict as they navigate an unlikely relationship and the possibility of a second chance.
Written and directed by Perry, 56, the film begins streaming on Netflix Oct. 2. PEOPLE exclusively revealed the trailer for the movie, which stars Naomi Baker and Jay Reeves in the lead roles.
Tyler Perry’s Doing Life explores second chances
“A single mother fighting to survive and a reformed ex-con with untapped talent find in each other an unlikely second chance,” a logline for the film reads.
The story opens with a flashback to when Anika (Baker), a former prison officer, is rescued from a violent riot by Carousel (Reeves), who is incarcerated at the time. After his release, Anika and Carousel reconnect and begin developing a relationship despite opposition from Anika’s family.
The cast also includes Tamberla Perry, Karen Obilom, Jasmine Sargent, Lucky Johnson and Danielle Moné Truitt.
“I’ve had people in my life who reminded me of both of these characters—people who come out of prison looking for a second chance, and single mothers who are doing everything they can to provide for their children,” Perry tells PEOPLE about the inspiration for the story.
He adds, “I was inspired by the resilience I’ve seen in both, and by the idea that sometimes the people we least expect can understand each other in ways no one else can.”
Why Perry focused on a single mother and ex-convict
Explaining his decision to center the film on a single mother and an ex-convict, Perry says, “These are the people that are the most not seen or heard in our society.”
“I wanted to tell a story about two people who, on the surface, seem like complete opposites, but who discover a deep commonality in the struggles they’re facing,” he says. “I think that message of second chances and human connection feels especially meaningful right now.”
Naomi Baker and Jay Reeves lead the Netflix film
Perry says he wanted to continue supporting new talent when casting the two central roles and believed Baker and Reeves were ready for the challenge.
Carousel was convicted of attempted murder, so Reeves had to make the character redeemable while showing his desire to change.
“Jay, in particular, had to play someone who, on paper, might seem beyond redemption, but who is fighting hard to make amends, take responsibility for his past, and turn his life around,” Perry says. “He brought a real vulnerability to that journey.”
Baker’s role required her to reveal Anika’s vulnerability beneath her strength. “Naomi brought that same strength and resilience to her character, while also allowing us to see the softer, more vulnerable side of a woman who has spent so much of her life simply trying to hold everything together.”
Tyler Perry’s Doing Life begins streaming on Netflix Oct. 2.
Source: www.yahoo.com
