Crystal R. Fox
Grace
Overview
When a law-abiding woman gets indicted for murdering her husband, her lawyer soon realizes that a larger conspiracy may be at work.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Thriller That Forgot to Thrill
I’ve seen bad movies before. I’ve seen movies so bad they loop back around to being good, or at least entertaining in their own way—a kind of cinematic car crash you can’t look away from. But A Fall from Grace isn’t just bad.
It’s a film that seems to have been assembled in a fever dream, one where the rules of logic, continuity, and basic filmmaking were optional. And yet, for all its flaws, it’s never boring. How could it be?
Every time you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, it lurches in a new direction—usually the wrong one. His films are often criticized for being formulaic, but there’s a certain comfort in that formula. You know what you’re getting: over-the-top emotions, clear moral lines, and a resolution that, if not always satisfying, at least feels earned. A Fall from Grace tries to break out of that mold.
It wants to be a thriller, a mystery, a courtroom drama. It wants to keep you guessing. The problem?
It doesn’t seem to know how.
The film follows Grace Waters (Crystal R. Fox), a woman who wakes up one day to find her new husband, Shannon (Mehcad Brooks), has vanished—along with all evidence that he ever existed. When a body turns up, Grace is arrested for murder.
Enter Jasmine Bryant (Bresha Webb), a public defender who takes on Grace’s case and quickly realizes something isn’t right. The plot thickens, or at least it tries to. There are twists, turns, and a reveal that’s supposed to shock you.
Instead, it just leaves you scratching your head. What’s fascinating about A Fall from Grace is how it manages to be both overstuffed and undercooked. Perry’s script throws everything at the wall: infidelity, gaslighting, cults, corrupt cops, and a climax that involves a literal fall from grace (the title isn’t subtle).
But none of it sticks. The film’s pacing is all over the place, lurching from slow-burn drama to sudden bursts of violence or revelation without any sense of rhythm. It’s like watching someone try to tell a joke but keep forgetting the punchline.
The technical issues don’t help. There’s a moment early on where a boom mic dips into the frame, and suddenly, it’s all you can see. It’s the kind of mistake that’s easy to make on a tight schedule—Perry shot the film in just five days—but hard to ignore once you’ve noticed it.
Audience Opinions
Audience 5.8/10
"A twisty but flawed thriller with strong performances that struggle to elevate a convoluted plot."
Viewers appreciate the film’s attempt at a gripping mystery-thriller narrative, with standout performances from Crystal R. Fox and Phylicia Rashād adding depth to the story. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, the plot’s predictability and over-reliance on twists leave many feeling underwhelmed, with pacing issues and a lack of originality often cited as major drawbacks.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead performances Crystal R. Fox and Phylicia Rashād deliver compelling performances that anchor the film and keep viewers engaged.
- Engaging mystery setup The initial premise and twists are intriguing enough to hold attention, even if the execution falters later.
- Tyler Perry’s direction Perry’s stylistic choices, particularly in the thriller genre, are noted as a refreshing departure from his usual work.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot twists Many viewers found the twists telegraphed early, reducing the film’s impact as a thriller.
- Weak pacing The film’s pacing is criticized for dragging in the middle, making it feel longer than its runtime.
- Lack of originality The story feels derivative, borrowing heavily from familiar thriller tropes without adding much new.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting characters, including those played by Mehcad Brooks and Bresha Webb, are seen as thinly written and forgettable.
Recommended for
Fans of mystery-thrillers Tyler Perry enthusiasts Crystal R. Fox admirers Twist-driven story lovers Casual thriller viewers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsTyler Perry’s "A Fall from Grace": Behind the Scenes of the Netflix Thriller
Tyler Perry’s A Fall from Grace (2020) marked a departure from his usual Madea-centric comedies, diving into the psychological thriller genre. Starring Crystal R. Fox in her first leading role for Perry, the film promised suspense, twists, and a darker tone than audiences had come to expect from the filmmaker. latestnetflix.com's read is that but what went on behind the scenes of this Netflix original?
A New Genre for Perry
Perry, best known for his Madea franchise and dramatic works like For Colored Girls (2010), took a risk with A Fall from Grace. The film follows Grace Waters (Fox), a woman trapped in a nightmarish marriage who becomes the prime suspect in a shocking crime. The shift to thriller territory was a deliberate choice, with Perry aiming to expand his storytelling range 
. The movie’s 115-minute runtime and 5.8/10 rating on SensCritique suggest mixed reactions, but it was a bold step for the director .
Crystal R. Fox’s Breakout Role
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIlqzei1kPc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DkJnHwccDM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvCc7Arji3g
Fox, a veteran of Perry’s stage plays and TV series like The Haves and the Have Nots, stepped into the spotlight as the film’s lead. Perry and Fox’s collaboration was a key selling point, with the two appearing together at premieres and in interviews to promote the film . In one behind-the-scenes clip, Fox described the role as "challenging" and "emotionally intense," hinting at the physical and mental demands of the part . Perry, meanwhile, praised her performance, calling it "powerful" and "transformative" .
The Netflix Factor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adqQyXKq5mc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcoP69iYCxA
A Fall from Grace was one of Perry’s first major projects under his Netflix deal, which reportedly included a multi-film agreement. The streaming giant gave the film a high-profile release, complete with trailers and promotional interviews . While Perry’s films had previously thrived in theaters, the shift to Netflix allowed for a wider reach—and a different kind of audience engagement. The film’s trailer, released in late 2019, teased a story of betrayal and deception, setting the stage for a gripping thriller .
Mixed Reception and Unanswered Questions
Despite the hype, A Fall from Grace received lukewarm reviews. Critics and audiences alike noted its ambitious premise but found the execution uneven . Some praised Fox’s performance, while others felt the plot twists fell flat. The film’s 5.8/10 rating on SensCritique reflects its divisive nature, though it remains a curiosity for Perry fans .
One lingering question is whether Perry will return to the thriller genre. While A Fall from Grace didn’t become a breakout hit, it proved he’s willing to experiment beyond his comfort zone. For now, the film stands as a fascinating footnote in his career—one that showcased his versatility and Fox’s rising star power.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.