‘Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story’ Review – An Emotional Look At The Life Of The Man Behind The Mogul

Tyler Perry’s influence on the film industry, especially regarding representation and opportunities for Black creators and artists, is undeniable. His plays, films, and TV shows have brought the stories of African Americans to the forefront of media; however, the representation has also come with its share of criticism. Many feel that although his work is successful and gives opportunities to talented Black actors whom Hollywood otherwise looks over, it’s full of cliches and harmful stereotypes.

It’s essential to mention all of this because the documentary Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story is an in-depth look into the mogul’s past and present that helps fully articulate why he makes the films he does and how his method of storytelling is irrevocably tied into the tragedy and triumphs of his life.  Anchored and narrated by Tyler’s cousin, Lucky Johnson, the documentary opens in New Orleans with Lucky speaking about the deep-seated wound left behind after his cousin spent his childhood suffering abuse from his father, Emmitt Perry Sr.

Early on, Johnson tells the story of a 7-year-old Tyler, arriving at his home with a bloody and swollen backside after a particularly vicious beating at the hands of his father. Tyler’s Aunt Jerry speaks about how the incident enraged her so much that she arrived at her sister Maxine’s house to shoot and kill her brother-in-law.  His only light amid such trauma and darkness was a cubby hole under the porch where he would dream up fantasies of what his life could be to escape the harsh reality he was trapped in. Interviews with Perry are sprinkled throughout the film, as well as interviews with his friends, family, and supporters such as his childhood pastor, his publicist, fellow mogul, Oprah Winfrey, and Ariel Investments president and co-CEO Mellody Hobson, to name a few.

The documentary also covers the opening of his 300-acre lot studio in the heart of Atlanta. Not only does he film all of his films and TV shows there, but he also loans it out to other productions to use for their films and TV shows. His success has opened up opportunities for so many others, and it’s genuinely astounding and awe-inspiring. Seeing Black Hollywood powerhouses like Whoopi Goldberg, Halle Berry, and Will Smith christen sound stages dedicated to them is beautiful and, again, a testament to how much Perry wants to honor those who came before him and pay homage in substantial ways.

Although this documentary is a peek at the man behind the mogul, Perry’s late mother, Willie Perry, is arguably just as much the star of this documentary as her son is. In many ways, the documentary is a love letter to her and a testament to the values and strength she instilled in her son to be a survivor.  Her influence on her son’s life and work is indelible and has left a loving footprint even after her passing. She continues to be a guiding force in his life and his empire. This part of the documentary will resonate deeply with viewers who have close relationships with their parents, especially their mothers.

One understandably unexplored aspect of the documentary is the lack of participation from Perry’s father, Emmitt Perry Sr. Although viewers are treated to one volatile scene during which Lucky arrives at his uncle’s residence unannounced and receives an expletive-filled reprimand for it, that is the only instance in which the film addresses his present-day activities. It’s also revealed that although they don’t have a relationship, Perry still cares for the man he discovered in adulthood wasn’t his biological father. Perry goes on to say the revelation finally helped him understand the hatred the man carried toward him. The revelation is startling, sad, and but one can’t help but love and respect Tyler even more for honoring his late mother’s memory by taking care of her husband.

Another missed opportunity is the chance to explore the dynamic between Tyler Perry and his ex-girlfriend, Gelila Bekele. She both co-directs and writes the project, and seeing as the two share a son, it would have been interesting to see their dynamic. It also would have been nice to see more moments with Tyler and his son, Amon. The moments we do get are nice and sweet and we see how Tyler is filling his son with all the love and kindness he didn’t receive from the man who raised him.

Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story is a fascinating and moving story that helps shine a light on the man behind the mogul. Although his work is divisive for many, it’s truly informed by his experiences and the experiences of those he loves, cares about, and respects the most.

Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story is currently available to stream on Prime Video. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjXlidHoPyU]