Michael Ogbu

It’s unbelievable how at a certain point in our lives, some little things we once did for fun would become drudgery, like major tasks needing as much time allotment. For me, watching movies has become that – much like a coveted pleasure. I remember how I once would perch on for many hours with my eyes glued to the screen, transfixed like my life depended on a single movie. This is because of my immense value for every work of art. I have always watched movies like I’d read a book – very intentional, which was why the moment I learned about Mea Culpa, I knew I was definitely going to block off a time for it, no matter what.

I had been fascinated about this movie for three reasons. Firstly, the title, Mea Culpa bore a captivating ring, a scintillating feel that resonates. The title, I believe would have lured most people to the movie than anything else. Secondly, the lead actor, Kelly Rowland, asides from being my childhood celebrity crush (apologies to my wife), has never failed to deliver on her roles each time. Thirdly, although I have not been Tyler Perry’s biggest fan, I have found a number of his previous works interesting. So, I decided to give this a try, and I am glad it wasn’t a total waste of time.

The Production

While I would not rate the movie as a low budget like most of Tyler Perry’s, it was, let’s say, a cost-effective production. The movie had mostly an indoor setting which is one of the most effective ways to cut cost in production. Furthermore, TP had clearly not broken a bank to cast Hollywood’s biggest names, yet, the actors did as much to give us the run for our money.

Additionally, Mea’s wardrobe had been the major highlight of the production. She dripped all through the movie, never caught off guard. She had such an affluent wardrobe that I was finding it hard to decide who she was between Mea Cupa, a struggling lawyer whose husband lost his job and was only considering to take up a murder case against her brother in-law because she needed enough money to pay bills, or the real Kelly Rowland, the super star.

Characterization

Kelly, particularly showed how much of a diva she is. What a screen goddess. She ate that role and left no crumbs. As Mea, her appearance was that of a tender, subdued, and almost vulnerable wife who was utterly committed to her marriage – a devoted black woman. But, she was actually much more. She was a strong professional with a very daring spirit. Worthy of mention was the moment when her in-laws were going to bully her into not accepting to represent Zyiar, an alleged murderer, and she would, as a protest, make up her mind to take the case, on the spot. That was feistiness on display. That attribute also, was the same reason she would sleep with Zyair; a seediness which was more from a place of validation of her strength, and her innate identity – her uncowed persona – than anything else.

However, my major reservation for the movie was for Trevante Rhodes’ portrayal of Zyair. While his looks worked perfectly for the role, he appeared a bit theatrical that I had thought him to be somewhat camera-shy. But, as if in real life, he would show more intensity, getting more into the character each time he smoked. As a confident successful black artist who lived in the complications of his craft, a translucent mind that is mostly inspired by the goriness of sex, he cared less about the life that awaited him than he did his sexual urge.

Also, a few loose-ends were left in the scripting. Ray Harper had left some clues to his having more than a vested interest in the murder case. One could pick a hint of a possible frame up against Zyair at the scene where he stated that he and his wife were going to buy some of the guy’s paintings. The smirk on his face was telling enough. That was even before he openly conceded to his interest in using the case as a boost for his mayoral contest. But, in all, the Harper family were at best a good villain. Kal’s role was the most unpredictable of all.  

The Theme

The movie in every standard is a great thriller that would naturally enthral any art lover. The emotions and hypnotising effect of art was surreal. The movie showcased the overwhelming powers of art in Zyair’s role. He was unimaginably confident and insouciant. He was an artist who used his craft as a conduit of expression. Vastly inspired by the women in his life, he told his stories in his paintings. On the other hand, the visits to the art loft had been riveting moments for Mea who would fight to stay away in order to stay focused. She understood the powers of art and would openly acknowledge its significance when she said to Zyair, “As an artist, I know that you have an eye for details”. She understood and admitted the emotional transcendence that comes with interacting with art – the mesmerising feeling that opens up every door of our hearts, stripping us of any layer of coverage.  

More over, there was a great lesson around the underlying conflicts we find in homes where the men are too attached to their mothers. Besides the conspiracies for political gains, Kal and Ray would always have issues in their marriages because of their mother’s overreaching grip. She was not just obsessed, but manipulative. Be that as it may, it is all about the twists and turns of this great thriller in which “Everyone is guilty of something”.