Tyler Perry is revealing the inspiration behind his newest Netflix film, “Doing Life.” The filmmaker says the romantic drama pays homage to two beloved Black films from the 1990s. Those movies are “Love Jones” and “Jason’s Lyric.”
Perry shared the connection in an Instagram post Friday. He posted images featuring the posters for both films alongside one for “Doing Life.”
“I’m just gonna go on and say it… My latest movie, Doing Life, is an homage to these great films and the way they made me feel after I saw them,” Perry wrote. “For all of you who’ve seen Doing Life already, thank you. And for those who haven’t, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.”
The revelation gives audiences more context about Perry’s approach to his latest romance.
“Doing Life” arrived on Netflix on Oct. 2. Perry wrote, directed and produced the film. Angi Bones and Tony L. Strickland also served as producers.
The film stars Naomi Baker and Jay Reeves as two people who form an unexpected relationship. Tamberla Perry, Karen Obilom and Danielle Moné Truitt also appear in the cast.
‘Doing Life’ Explores Love And Redemption
“Doing Life” follows Anika, a single mother played by Baker, and Carousel, played by Reeves.
Carousel is an incarcerated man who eventually attempts to rebuild his life after his release. The pair form a bond that develops as they navigate personal struggles, family pressures and difficult choices.
Netflix describes the film as a story about redemption, hope and love. The romance develops after Anika and Carousel begin communicating through heartfelt letters.
The story places two people from complicated circumstances at the center of a romantic drama. That approach connects “Doing Life” with the films Perry named as inspirations.
“Jason’s Lyric” was released in 1994 and starred Allen Payne and Jada Pinkett Smith. Doug McHenry directed the romantic drama.
The film follows Jason, a Houston man carrying trauma from his childhood. His relationship with Lyric gives him a chance to imagine a different future. However, Jason also feels responsible for his troubled younger brother, Joshua, played by Bokeem Woodbine.
Revisiting A Black Romance Classic
“Love Jones” arrived three years later in 1997.
Theodore Witcher wrote and directed the film, which starred Larenz Tate and Nia Long.
Tate portrayed Darius Lovehall, a writer and poet living in Chicago. Long played Nina Mosley, a photographer navigating her own career and romantic uncertainty. Their complicated relationship became the center of a film about intimacy, vulnerability and commitment.
“Love Jones” has remained a notable entry in Black romantic cinema decades after its release. The Criterion Collection added the film to its collection in 2022.
Perry’s decision to reference both movies places “Doing Life” within a recognizable tradition of Black romance on screen. However, the filmmaker stopped short of describing the new project as a remake or direct adaptation.
Instead, Perry focused on how the earlier movies made him feel. That distinction suggests the connection is emotional rather than simply narrative.
With “Doing Life,” Perry appears to be revisiting the kind of complicated Black romance that helped define both films.
“Doing Life” is now streaming on Netflix.