‘Mea Culpa’ Torched by Netflix Subscribers and Critics for ‘Paper-Thin’ Plot Twists

Kelly Rowland and Trevante Rhodes in Mea Culpa. (Credit: Bob Mahoney/Netflix)

Mea Culpa shot to #1 on Netflix’s most-watched movies chart, but critics say the film is “astonishingly bad.”

The steamy thriller about murder, lies and dangerous desires stars Kelly Rowland and Trevante Rhodes, with RonReaco Lee, Nick Sagar, Sean Sagar, and Shannon Thornton.

Tyler Perry wrote, directed and produced the drama, which premiered on Feb. 23.

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Critics described the film as “ridiculous,” and gave it a dismal 18 percent score out of 100 on Rotten Tomatoes.

Screen Rant writer Patrice Witherspoon skewered Perry for “poor directional choices, cringe-worthy dialogue & unnecessary plot twists.”

Cultured Vultures reviewer Natasha Alvar described Mea Culpa as a “soulless film with characters so paper-thin that there’s nothing to stand on.”

Movie Files critic Elliott Collins added, “The film is a mess on all fronts but at least it provided some unintentional laugher.”

Netflix subscribers brushed off the negative reviews and watched the movie in droves.

The thriller is currently the #1 film in the U.S. and it continues to generate heat — good and bad — on social media.

Perhaps viewers were drawn to former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland or they wanted to see more of Trevante Rhodes after his turn in the Oscar-winning Moonlight.

Whatever the reason, viewers flocked to the film — although many later took to social media to say they regretted wasting their time.

“Just finished Mea Culpa and ….. I think Tyler needs to put the pen down for a while,” one person posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Mea Culpa might be one of the worst films I’ve ever watched. Poor Kelly,” another person added.

“The only good thing about this movie is Kelly’s face and outfits #MeaCulpa,” someone else shared.

“Plot twisted me right out the storyline. #MeaCulpa,” another person posted.

Still, Perry has a loyal following and some viewers said they enjoyed his latest entry.

“I will say, the cinematography was beautiful and all that chocolate was glistening! #MeaCulpa,” one viewer shared.

“Is this a safe space? I actually like the #MeaCulpa movie,” someone else wrote.

“I will admit there were a lot of missing pieces but it was good given the circumstances #MeaCulpaNetflix #MeaCulpa,” another viewer shared.

Perry’s previous films with Netflix include the period drama A Jazzman’s Blues, A Madea Homecoming, and the thriller A Fall from Grace.

His next movie for the streamer will be World War II drama Six Triple Eight starring Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon.


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About Anita Bennett

Anita Bennett is the editor and founder of Urban Hollywood 411. She can be reached on Twitter @tvanita.