Acrimony

A drama built on one woman's account. Melinda has been sent to anger management by a court. She tells her story to the therapist, and the film watches what she describes. Her account runs like this: she met Robert at university, fell in love and married him. He has an invention and spends years trying to develop it. Through all of it he does not work and Melinda supports the household. She puts the money left by her mother into it as well. Years pass and nothing happens. Melinda gives up and leaves. Then the invention succeeds and Robert becomes rich; and there is someone else with him. The question at the centre is whether the person telling this is telling the truth. Melinda gives events in her own order and some details do not match her account. The narrative does not say so outright but it shows the gaps. Taraji P. Henson plays Melinda, in a performance that carries the whole film. Tyler Perry directed. It found no favour with critics on release but was much argued about among viewers. An interesting example for anyone who likes melodrama and unreliable narration. For a viewer who wants restraint, the film tips entirely into excess in its last section.