Released on March 20, 2025, Duplicity marks a dark and layered entry in Tyler Perry’s growing catalogue of Prime Video thrillers.
With themes of deception, police brutality, and personal grief, the film isn’t afraid to wade into murky moral waters—though it sometimes loses its footing in the process.
What Is Duplicity About?
Set against the backdrop of an all-too-familiar tragedy, the story begins when Rodney Blackburn (Joshua Adeyeye), a Black man jogging in a white suburban neighbourhood, is mistaken for an intruder and fatally shot by a rookie police officer. The twist? He was simply reaching for his phone.
Rodney’s death sends shockwaves through those closest to him—particularly his wife, Fela Blackburn (Meagan Tandy), a respected news anchor who learns of his death in real-time while reporting live.
Her best friend Marley Wells (Kat Graham), a high-powered attorney, vows to uncover the truth.
As Marley investigates with the help of her ex-cop boyfriend Tony Crenshaw (Tyler Lepley), she unearths more than a few buried secrets that tie back to those in power—including law enforcement.
Stream It or Skip It?
The critical consensus is mixed. On one hand, Duplicity attempts to use the weight of real-life societal issues to propel its plot, such as police misconduct and systemic injustice.
But as one reviewer noted, the film ultimately leans into Perry’s signature melodrama and far-fetched plot twists more than nuanced storytelling.
Still, for viewers familiar with Perry’s tone and pacing, Duplicity delivers the suspense, emotional stakes, and character conflict that define his best work.
It’s a watchable thriller with an impressive cast—and, in some moments, surprising vulnerability.
Duplicity was released on Amazon Prime Video on March 20, 2025. It’s now available to stream worldwide—watch Tyler Perry’s Duplicity on Prime Video.
Full Cast and Character Guide
The ensemble cast is one of the film’s biggest strengths, with several actors stepping into unfamiliar and complex roles.
Credit: Quantrell Colbert Copyright: © 2023 Amazon Content Services LLC
Kat Graham as Marley Wells
A tenacious lawyer with a deeply personal stake in the case. Graham brings vulnerability and control to a character navigating grief, injustice, and moral compromise.
Drawing from her own personal experiences with loss, Graham described the role as “therapeutic” and deeply tied to her activism.
Meagan Tandy as Fela Blackburn
Fela is Rodney’s widow and Marley’s best friend. Tandy balances public poise with private devastation. Her performance captures the collision between grief and media scrutiny.
Tyler Lepley as Tony Crenshaw
Lepley plays Marley’s boyfriend, a former cop turned private investigator. His character provides both professional assistance and emotional conflict as the investigation strains their relationship.
RonReaco Lee as Kevin Moore
Lee plays a veteran police officer who shouts the fateful “Gun!” before the shooting. The role marks a rare villain turn for the actor, who said he relished playing against type and diving into the moral complexities of law enforcement.
Joshua Adeyeye as Rodney Blackburn
Although his character dies early, Adeyeye’s performance in flashbacks and through the lens of others adds depth. His portrayal reveals a man with secrets of his own, complicating the case.
Supporting Cast
- Nick Barrotta as Sam – Fela’s news producer.
- Jimi Stanton as Caleb Kain – The rookie officer who pulls the trigger.
- Shannon LaNier as Shannon – A co-anchor and media presence.
- Angela Halili as Anna Lewis
- Kim Steele as Ina
- Kearia Schroeder as Jennifer
- Marcia Harvey as Dion.
For a complete list of credits, producers, and behind-the-scenes talent, check out the full Duplicity cast and production credits on IMDb.
Themes and Performances
Duplicity explores themes like police accountability, systemic failure, betrayal among friends, and the power dynamics within law enforcement.
While the narrative doesn’t fully unpack these topics with subtlety, its emotional weight lies in the performances. Graham and Tandy carry the emotional core, while Lee’s chilling portrayal adds unexpected gravitas.
Lepley and Lee both spoke about the challenge of playing morally grey characters. “It’s about truth—who controls it, who buries it, and who’s willing to dig it up,” Lepley told Essence.
Behind the Scenes and Production
Duplicity is part of Tyler Perry’s multi-picture deal with Amazon Studios, announced in 2022. It joins Perry’s slate of more grounded thrillers, moving away from his Madea roots while still delivering high-stakes drama.
The film was written, directed, and produced by Perry, continuing his tradition of wearing multiple creative hats. While that approach has drawn criticism for sacrificing polish, it also gives Perry a consistent and recognisable narrative style.
Verdict: A Twisty, Uneven Ride That Still Hooks You
Duplicity is messy, provocative, and occasionally gripping. It won’t satisfy viewers expecting a meticulous legal drama, but it thrives in the emotional murk of guilt, grief, and suspicion.
For longtime Perry fans or those curious about his new direction, this is a worthwhile watch.
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