Tyler Perry’s work is frequently debated, but that’s hardly unusual for creatives. What has become clear, however, is that Perry has an undeniable gift for portraying family dynamics. His comedic touch in those moments almost always lands, and when he leans into drama, it often borders on mastery. His ability to weave together family, conflict, and a hint of romance continues to set his storytelling apart. Still, his films tend to fall into two camps—hits or misses. So whenever a new Tyler Perry project is announced, the question naturally arises: will this one shine, or will it stumble? His latest film, “Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy,” is no exception.
Finding Footing
“Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy” centers on a talented woman with a remarkable eye for fashion—yet she isn’t receiving the recognition she deserves. Her friends point this out constantly. For now, she’s content simply contributing, being included, and playing her part. But their warnings don’t stop there. They’re also convinced that the man she’s interested in doesn’t share her feelings. Whether out of optimism or avoidance, she brushes off their concerns.
Pushing the Narrative of Finding Joy Forward
Everything shifts when she receives an invitation for a weekend away with this would-be love interest—an invitation accompanied by a mysterious “special announcement.” Her heart leaps, her hope surges, and every red flag suddenly fades into the background. That invitation becomes the catalyst, propelling us into the journey the film is about to unfold.
This film appears to hinge on not just one but two inciting incidents, each setting the protagonist on a distinct emotional journey. The first sends her down a path of willful ignorance, where she must confront a painful truth and decide how to move forward once the veil is lifted. The second is a direct consequence of the first, triggering a chain reaction that shapes the rest of the narrative. It creates a cascading arc that, structurally, is actually a smart storytelling choice. The first challenge strips the scales from her eyes; the second forces her to remove the cataracts from her heart.
Upon Which the House is Built
In terms of structure, the film leans heavily into the familiar Hallmark holiday formula, so there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking here. As the Writers Guild Foundation explains,
“Hallmark Christmas movies are rom-coms most of the time, so we meet the characters in their day-to-day lives; we learn their dreams and aspirations (and, of course, their feelings on Christmas), then they meet each other… and probably don’t like each other.”
That blueprint is fully at play in “Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy.”
What is Under the Snowdrift
Of course, the story has a bit more to offer beyond the expected beats. Setting aside its familiar, formula-driven foundation, the real question becomes: does this film rise above others in the same category? Unfortunately, not quite. Many of the character interactions feel forced, exaggerated, or strangely out of sync with the situations at hand. The film leans a bit too heavily into contrived moments of isolation—often in scenarios where such behavior feels illogical or unnecessary. Realistically, when someone is grappling with loneliness or fear, the last instinct would be to push away the one person who eases that anxiety. Yet the film repeatedly leans on that trope.
Two Lovers, One Flat Narrative Arc
At an hour and forty-seven minutes, the pacing also leaves much to be desired. It starts with a burst of energy, but the momentum quickly fizzles, settling into a slow crawl. The narrative eventually becomes almost entirely about the central pair—the opposites destined, of course, to fall in love. While romance is front and center, it lacks the essential spark of holiday magic needed to truly classify it as a standout Christmas film. The ending is cheerful enough but also completely predictable.
Overall, “Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy” feels like an experience rather than a memorable journey. It delivers nothing particularly noteworthy, nothing that secures a place in the catalog of cherished holiday films. In fact, it may very well be one of Perry’s more lackluster offerings.
Sugar-Rush Romance, Substance Optional
For the eternal romantics—those who enjoy stories where two strangers are thrown together, connect through surface-level tension, and somehow land on the promise of forever—this film may scratch that itch. It leans hard into the fairytale of sudden, sweeping love. But if that’s not your speed, or if you prefer holiday films with richer substance and genuine magic, you may want to manage expectations—or skip this one altogether.
Uncut Diamonds 