For a lifetime movie, this one is above average. I liked the characters and the story, though nothing I haven't seen before, held my attention. As a woman of size myself, I also enjoyed seeing different body types playing the leads and wouldn't mind seeing more of that in future movies.
18 Reviews
A Slightly Different Backdrop to a Rather Familiar Plot
Uriah4327 June 2022
This film begins with a young television host by the name of "Monica" (Raven Goodwin) giving a tearful eulogy at a funeral for her father. A couple of days after that, she mysteriously receives a recording of her boyfriend "Andre" (Kevin Savage) cheating on him with another woman. To top it all off, her new assistant "Simone" (Amber Riley) informs her that her co-host on the show "Elodie" (Erin Ownbey) is maneuvering behind her back to land a more prominent role in a more popular show which she knew Monica had set her sights on. Yet, even with all of this recent turmoil in her life, Monica still manages to stay positive thanks in large part to her best-friend "BeBe" (K. Michelle) and her new assistant. Interestingly enough, however, is the fact that BeBe doesn't share the same overall assessment of Simone that Monica does--and these doubts only intensify with every day that passes. Now, I admit that the overall plot for this film is hardly unique and that the general outline has most certainly been done previously on a number of occasions. However, what made this this film seem somewhat refreshing to me was the overall setting and the specific choice of actors to fill such prominent roles. That being said, even though all of them were completely unknown to me, I thought that they all performed reasonably well--with K. Michelle possibly standing out the most. Be that as it may, while this movie clearly won't win any Academy Awards, I still found it somewhat entertaining and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
It was a good story, maybe better suited for a TV series
braxtontyler13 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the two leads, I enjoyed seeing them dress up as you don't usually see female actresses with their body shape in movies looking glam in such amazing outfits. They had the best chemistry out of all the other characters. It kept me interested not only the story development, but also to see what Monica and Simone would be wearing. Amber Riley is gorgeous, it was nice to see her as the villain!
I actually believe that this film with a larger budget and stronger production team could be a nice chilling Netflix series. Even just the fact that the two leads do actually look similar was enough to intrigue me to watch this.
Still, their is a lot to unpack and many unanswered questions. I want to know what happened between Simones' mum and dad, what occurred in her life to make her the person she is today? How long had she been following the life of Monica? How many other people has Simone killed as she clearly is very good at it? How did she kill Andre and the woman next door? What happened to all the money that was being sent to Simones' mother by the Harris's? Who was the woman in the woman in the hospital answering the phone to Bebe about knowing Simone? Was she trying to be a good sister to Monica or was she attempting to take over her life? Also Monica appeared to come from a wealthy family and is a daytime tv host yet her own personal home didn't seem to match her upbringing or job. So many unanswered questions!
The plot was still very promising and despite some flaws I was able to enjoy the movie. I just feel like some things were missing! The transitions from one scene to another were abrupt instead of smooth so it was difficult to know whether this was a thriller, comedy or drama. Similar thing with the music in the background; Clearly some horrific things were taking place but the music used to showcase this didn't match or even encourage a scare factor, for instance Simone losing her mind and trashing the place could of been a powerful scene instead it was funny due to the music!
Again, I feel like this movie would have suited a tv series better, as it has promise for developing the characters further, their history, upbringing and eventual catastrophic meeting especially for black/poc audiences.
I actually believe that this film with a larger budget and stronger production team could be a nice chilling Netflix series. Even just the fact that the two leads do actually look similar was enough to intrigue me to watch this.
Still, their is a lot to unpack and many unanswered questions. I want to know what happened between Simones' mum and dad, what occurred in her life to make her the person she is today? How long had she been following the life of Monica? How many other people has Simone killed as she clearly is very good at it? How did she kill Andre and the woman next door? What happened to all the money that was being sent to Simones' mother by the Harris's? Who was the woman in the woman in the hospital answering the phone to Bebe about knowing Simone? Was she trying to be a good sister to Monica or was she attempting to take over her life? Also Monica appeared to come from a wealthy family and is a daytime tv host yet her own personal home didn't seem to match her upbringing or job. So many unanswered questions!
The plot was still very promising and despite some flaws I was able to enjoy the movie. I just feel like some things were missing! The transitions from one scene to another were abrupt instead of smooth so it was difficult to know whether this was a thriller, comedy or drama. Similar thing with the music in the background; Clearly some horrific things were taking place but the music used to showcase this didn't match or even encourage a scare factor, for instance Simone losing her mind and trashing the place could of been a powerful scene instead it was funny due to the music!
Again, I feel like this movie would have suited a tv series better, as it has promise for developing the characters further, their history, upbringing and eventual catastrophic meeting especially for black/poc audiences.
Typical Lifetime watchable "thriller;" the movie needed a different title.
CranberriAppl25 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is a different story from the OG movie, so that title was obviously for name recognition. It's a very typical Lifetime thriller, and it doesn't have that suspenseful, creepy, and scary vibe of SWF (I was way too young when I saw that movie back then). The title doesn't fit what the story actually turns out to be. Monica didn't seek out Simone (aka a new assistant) and Simone invaded Monica's space but wasn't trying to "be" her. This movie could have easily also been titled Her Psycho Assistant or The Wrong Assistant (if Vivica produced it).
Never watched Glee, but watched Fresh Prince and Good Luck, Charlie. So I tuned in for Aunt Viv (she looked fabulous!) and Ivy. It's interesting that they had Raven play Monica and Amber play Simone, since Amber is a few years older. Unless I missed it, the movie doesn't clarify who the older sister is, just that Simone was the product of an affair.
The acting was cringe in some parts (Bebe's scenes), but that's on par for most Lifetime flicks. Aunt Viv was the most natural and she and Amber played off each other so well in their "reveal" scene. Watching Simone (Amber) snap when Monica's mother rejected her first and then when Monica fired her was kind also of fun. To be honest, the acting was pretty flat until Simone snapped. I believed her jilted derangement.
There was a jump scare part that caught me completely off guard, so props for that. Showed how deranged she was. If she wasn't a killer, I'd feel sorry for her. The way her father rejected her was so wrong. The movie made his reason (instead of holding himself accountable for his actions) wanting to "protect" Monica's career, so it somewhat made sense that Simone would go after her. To the movie's credit, it was appreciated that they showed the scene as a flashback instead of Simone just telling us. Not sure the scene at the father's grave at the end was the best since, it was his affair/lies/rejection of his own child that caused the events of the movie. I realize it makes for a "warm" moment, but Monica still idolizing him after everything that transpired seemed weird.
I mean, there's nothing new here, so it's about as watchable as every other Lifetime movie.
Never watched Glee, but watched Fresh Prince and Good Luck, Charlie. So I tuned in for Aunt Viv (she looked fabulous!) and Ivy. It's interesting that they had Raven play Monica and Amber play Simone, since Amber is a few years older. Unless I missed it, the movie doesn't clarify who the older sister is, just that Simone was the product of an affair.
The acting was cringe in some parts (Bebe's scenes), but that's on par for most Lifetime flicks. Aunt Viv was the most natural and she and Amber played off each other so well in their "reveal" scene. Watching Simone (Amber) snap when Monica's mother rejected her first and then when Monica fired her was kind also of fun. To be honest, the acting was pretty flat until Simone snapped. I believed her jilted derangement.
There was a jump scare part that caught me completely off guard, so props for that. Showed how deranged she was. If she wasn't a killer, I'd feel sorry for her. The way her father rejected her was so wrong. The movie made his reason (instead of holding himself accountable for his actions) wanting to "protect" Monica's career, so it somewhat made sense that Simone would go after her. To the movie's credit, it was appreciated that they showed the scene as a flashback instead of Simone just telling us. Not sure the scene at the father's grave at the end was the best since, it was his affair/lies/rejection of his own child that caused the events of the movie. I realize it makes for a "warm" moment, but Monica still idolizing him after everything that transpired seemed weird.
I mean, there's nothing new here, so it's about as watchable as every other Lifetime movie.
Not worth the one star
cljohnson11041613 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was horrible. We're supposed to believe that this unstable young lady was able to kill these people and hide their bodies and no one suspect anything. Also how did she get hired without any red flags popping up, but the friend was able to get info on her just by checking Facebook and making a call? Plus, who's that trusting of someone you just met?
It's all been done and seen before...
paul_haakonsen1 April 2022
Well, with this 2022 movie "Single Black Female" being a Lifetime movie, then you pretty much know what you're in for right there. Yet, I still opted to sit down and watch "Single Black Female", as it was a movie that I hadn't already seen, much less even heard about.
And with it being a movie I was not familiar with, then writers Sa'Rah Jones and Tessa Evelyn Scott had every opportunity to impress and entertain me with this movie. However, truth be told and hand on heart, then I wasn't really expecting a whole lot from this, as it is a Lifetime movie after all.
Director Shari L. Carpenter managed to deliver a watchable enough movie. However, it was not a particularly hard-punching thriller, and the plot was rather predictable and the movie actually turned out as you thought it would. So writers Sa'Rah Jones and Tessa Evelyn Scott didn't really bring anything new or innovative to the thriller genre.
I wasn't familiar with the cast, aside from Janet Hubert. I will say, though, that the two lead actresses, that being Raven Goodwin (playing Monica) and Amber Riley (playing Simone) actually put on rather good performances, despite of the mediocre and bland script and storyline they were given to work with.
If you enjoy thrillers, then there is an abundance of better choices readily available out there. But I will say, that "Single Black Female" is watchable if you don't expect too much. I managed to sit through the movie, though I wasn't overly entertained, and this is not a movie that I will be returning to watch a second time though.
It should be said though that "Single Black Female" is a movie that leaves you with an overwhelming sensation of 'but I've already seen this in another movie, just with a different cast ensemble'.,
My rating of "Single Black Female" lands on a three out of ten stars.
And with it being a movie I was not familiar with, then writers Sa'Rah Jones and Tessa Evelyn Scott had every opportunity to impress and entertain me with this movie. However, truth be told and hand on heart, then I wasn't really expecting a whole lot from this, as it is a Lifetime movie after all.
Director Shari L. Carpenter managed to deliver a watchable enough movie. However, it was not a particularly hard-punching thriller, and the plot was rather predictable and the movie actually turned out as you thought it would. So writers Sa'Rah Jones and Tessa Evelyn Scott didn't really bring anything new or innovative to the thriller genre.
I wasn't familiar with the cast, aside from Janet Hubert. I will say, though, that the two lead actresses, that being Raven Goodwin (playing Monica) and Amber Riley (playing Simone) actually put on rather good performances, despite of the mediocre and bland script and storyline they were given to work with.
If you enjoy thrillers, then there is an abundance of better choices readily available out there. But I will say, that "Single Black Female" is watchable if you don't expect too much. I managed to sit through the movie, though I wasn't overly entertained, and this is not a movie that I will be returning to watch a second time though.
It should be said though that "Single Black Female" is a movie that leaves you with an overwhelming sensation of 'but I've already seen this in another movie, just with a different cast ensemble'.,
My rating of "Single Black Female" lands on a three out of ten stars.
Laughbly bad film. Really bad. Too bad
hunkazine16 February 2022
Although I was happy to see Janet Hubert - the actress who was the original Aunt Viv on The Fresh Prince of Belair...that was about it. I was looking forward to a fresh take on the stalker friend plot, but there was nothing new to see. I stayed to the finish, and found myself laughing out loud. So if you want to see unintentional comedy...go for it!
This could've been better
KiyaDaDiva4 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I thought this movie was fine I just did not like the ending of the movie. I hated how they made the father and the mother out to be perfect angels
shielding "the favorite" daughter when they were the ones that kept the 2 girls away from each other. And I'm not gonna lie, I was not sorry that the father was killed, I was even hoping that she killed the mother too because she was so nasty to her and its like she's the child in the situation, she didn't ask to be here. Why is she being blamed for this? I think this movie could've have gone a whole a lot different but other than that it was a good movie.
Very, very bad, ends up being fun (for all the wrong reasons)
MarioTee30 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I kind of knew what to expect. Low rating and the fact it's the remake (to some extent) of a much superior 1992 classic (Single White Female) should be warning enough, however, I just had to check to believe it.
There are way too many plot holes, the biggest being (pun not intended) the fact that Simone managed to drug and somehow carry a big woman from the parking lot to the top floor of the house. Of course, it doesn't stop there. The fact that quite an uncharismatic TV host, the protagonist (Monica), is somehow beloved by the audience and objectively handsome men (think George Constanza and all the women he dated, just reverse the gender). Or how stupid the main protagonist was, she literally was in the house where a dead body was for days, if not weeks, and she didn't even suspect the smell ("Yeah let's check the DVD first, it has to be something important"). Her mother is even worse and seems to be a plain horrible person.
Don't get me wrong, much of the cast is also acting stupid, with a possible exception of her best friend, Bebe. But also for her, it took her hours of knowing that Simone killed two people and held hostage her best friend, before calling the police. I almost died laughing when Monica said "Bebe, I am calling 911" when the house was already on fire. She should have said "Bebe, you stupid idiot, we are all gonna die BECAUSE OF YOU!"
I can probably think of something nice. It is a stupid movie, but it's also captivating and fun. Its run time is less than 90 minutes and it's rarely boring. The main antagonist, Simone, played by obviously talented Amber Riley, was an interesting character, and it's kinda easy to sympathise with her, once you get to know her story. Some side characters seem to be fun or nice. The fact that the two main characters are plus-sized is a plus to me, all body types need representation.
But I cannot recommend it unless you want to have some campy fun. If you want a real thriller, watch "the original".
There are way too many plot holes, the biggest being (pun not intended) the fact that Simone managed to drug and somehow carry a big woman from the parking lot to the top floor of the house. Of course, it doesn't stop there. The fact that quite an uncharismatic TV host, the protagonist (Monica), is somehow beloved by the audience and objectively handsome men (think George Constanza and all the women he dated, just reverse the gender). Or how stupid the main protagonist was, she literally was in the house where a dead body was for days, if not weeks, and she didn't even suspect the smell ("Yeah let's check the DVD first, it has to be something important"). Her mother is even worse and seems to be a plain horrible person.
Don't get me wrong, much of the cast is also acting stupid, with a possible exception of her best friend, Bebe. But also for her, it took her hours of knowing that Simone killed two people and held hostage her best friend, before calling the police. I almost died laughing when Monica said "Bebe, I am calling 911" when the house was already on fire. She should have said "Bebe, you stupid idiot, we are all gonna die BECAUSE OF YOU!"
I can probably think of something nice. It is a stupid movie, but it's also captivating and fun. Its run time is less than 90 minutes and it's rarely boring. The main antagonist, Simone, played by obviously talented Amber Riley, was an interesting character, and it's kinda easy to sympathise with her, once you get to know her story. Some side characters seem to be fun or nice. The fact that the two main characters are plus-sized is a plus to me, all body types need representation.
But I cannot recommend it unless you want to have some campy fun. If you want a real thriller, watch "the original".
Big black women in a psycho drama role
therealljessemac14 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Another entry in the genre of psychological dramas, it does nothing actually in reinventing the genre notwithstanding this I believe its a very fine movie. This motion picture glides into the sorrow of the protagonist before falling into lukewarm state.
A sheep in wolves clothing could be a description fit for Simone ( antagonist ), she enters into the life of Monica with an intent which is eliminating all those around her suppose friend. Issues will arise in the minds of viewers such as; is Simone sane or insane ? The lineage which she traces is it for real or a forgery of an insane being ?
In the everyday man's terminology Simone is what you call a stalker possessing the characteristics of a demented female portrayed in most late eighties and nineties psycho erotic thrillers. Although those were mostly portrayed by a ' certain type of women ' which are considered attractive by the media's standards.
Watching this movie one thing can be observed it always gives us what we already know and it is laden with predictability. It lacks the thrills associated with the genre so there is no much excitement to be expected. And even the few thrills which are supposedly in the script are not bound to create the adequate suspense and tension.
The direction by Shari L. Carpenter is spectacular and its a positive one, I give it credit for using plus sized women of African American descent, this represents something new for viewers and I believe the women are truly gorgeous.
You can watch this movie if you love Big beautiful women taking on the roles of slender women in psycho dramas. After all if you want the rainbow you need a rain first.
A sheep in wolves clothing could be a description fit for Simone ( antagonist ), she enters into the life of Monica with an intent which is eliminating all those around her suppose friend. Issues will arise in the minds of viewers such as; is Simone sane or insane ? The lineage which she traces is it for real or a forgery of an insane being ?
In the everyday man's terminology Simone is what you call a stalker possessing the characteristics of a demented female portrayed in most late eighties and nineties psycho erotic thrillers. Although those were mostly portrayed by a ' certain type of women ' which are considered attractive by the media's standards.
Watching this movie one thing can be observed it always gives us what we already know and it is laden with predictability. It lacks the thrills associated with the genre so there is no much excitement to be expected. And even the few thrills which are supposedly in the script are not bound to create the adequate suspense and tension.
The direction by Shari L. Carpenter is spectacular and its a positive one, I give it credit for using plus sized women of African American descent, this represents something new for viewers and I believe the women are truly gorgeous.
You can watch this movie if you love Big beautiful women taking on the roles of slender women in psycho dramas. After all if you want the rainbow you need a rain first.
Just Another Entry Into the ReWriting Arena
rebeltaz-1870525 February 2022
It's look people sit around in hollywood thinking... "are there any movies left with a caucasian cast that we can replace with black folks?" I mean... we cannot get anything original out of hollywood. And when you are just virtue signaling, it shows in the end result. The cast phones in their lines. The movie is predictable, because - WE'VE ALREADY SEEN IT! There is nothing about this that deserves a "retelling" or (on of hollywoods favorite code words) a "reimagining." The original - "Single White Female" for all of you born post 2000 - was classic and you cannot improve upon perfection.
Loved the Cast
MidwestMom24 March 2022
Yeah it's predictable, but what lifetime movie isn't. This was an entertaining movie and the cast was great. I love that they used curvy black women in the main roles. They were all talented actresses and their personalities reminded me of some of my female friends. I think that's why I loved this movie so much - it was relatable. The actresses talked like real people instead of saying weird scripted lines like some lifetime movies do.
Horrible plot
ricankathy8 August 2022
I was hoping to be entertained
durwardwhite28 August 2022
I really wanted this to be a good movie. I watched the previews with anticipation of enjoying it. But...almost from the beginning I started rolling my eyes and shaking my head at the scenes and the dialog. The script was very bland. And while it is a remake of Single White Female from a black woman perspective, other than 2 female leads there really isn't anything similar in story or in plot from the original. One of the best parts of this movie was their hair and makeup (Tyler Perry needs to take notes). I'm not normally attracted to BBW but these women looked really good. Props to the hair, makeup and wardrobe departments. The direction was almost non existent. It was as if the director was told to get each scene done in one take. There were scenes that clearly should have been reshot to make it more realistic and believable but they decided it was good enough for LMN. I think the actors started off trying to deliver a good performance but by the end you could clearly tell they were just phoning it in. I've seen these women in other movies and tv shows and they can act if given a good script and good direction. Unfortunately they got neither and it showed.
Sorry, it's pretty boring
HumbleMensa29 March 2024
A bit on the fence here. I have/had no idea who the actresses are, never seen them before in my life...and perhaps that's the problem. I kept trying to figure out why this had pretty good reviews because in my opinion the acting is really disappointing so it must be the actresses are known and I'm just it of the loop completely. I looked them up after and still am none the wiser but I understand a bit more. The story isn't new at all and I kept waiting for a great newly added cool twist or something, there wasn't and it was extremely slow. For a made for tv movie it was fine I guess and I finished it but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless you are a fan of main actress. Note that it is refreshing and healthy for society to see actresses that are not Hollywood cookie cutter in look and style.
I had high hopes, until I watched it.
fumper102329 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love K. Michelle, actually all the leading women but let's faced it, this has all been done before. It had me interested because I assumed we were gonna see something new. The fact that she is next door instead of the roommate makes no difference to me. The hands tied in front & feet untied with gags that your hands are free enough to remove, oh not to mention your legs are free and you make no attempt at helping your kid from the abductor nor to even escape. When they escape and BeBe is just hanging about to get caught? It was super predictable fromt the beginning. B-movie material, had high hopes and was thoroughly disappointed. You guys should've tried harder.
Nice take on 90s and 2010s psychological thrillers
danielbusbyii-831155 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Elaborating a little. I like that it was a take on single white female, the roommate, and the perfect roommate. The kills and attacks were pretty decent even though most of the after math was shown like Mrs Fletcher's head in a duffel bag & bebe finding mrs flecther's decapitated body. I also like that were kin at the end unlike the three that I mentioned in my review. The only reason I didnt give this one a ten is cause it was a big fight at the end but not between the antagonist and protagonist unlike the roommate and single white female. I also like that they kind of had similar ways in how the antagonist got killed cause at the end of single black female Simone got stabbed in the stomach and at the end of the roommate Rebecca Evans was stabbed in the back with a box cutter. Also at the end of single white female hedra Carlson was stabbed in the back with a hook. I also like that single black female had big women in it and not just your typical skinny girl movie. I also like that single black female didnt push it with the sexuality like single white female and the roommate did. All and all a pretty decent movie.
SIMONE!!!
SonicPressure27 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love Single Black Female. I love Simone and expressions on her face. I love what she did to Mrs. Fletcher, it was shocking and had moments that were funny. I've watched about 15 times since I first saw it last week! Just because this movie aired on lifetime doesn't mean anything. Ignore the reviews that talk about how bad it is. If you loved Single White Female and Single White Female 2 the psycho, then you will probably enjoy this movie. If you don't then you must be pretty boring. Janet Hubert the original Aunt Vivian from The Fresh Prince does a great job as Monica's mother. So if u want a fun thriller. Try Single Black Female!
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