Shivangi Sinha
The increase in the prevalence of stories that center around women, especially those led by women, marks a crucial and necessary evolution in contemporary cinema. This shift has provided a platform for diverse narratives about women and their experiences to take center stage, and ‘The Single Moms Club’ contributes to this progression. The narrative unfolds when five single mothers — Hillary, Jan, May, Esperanza, and Lytia — are summoned to the school of their kids by the principal due to their kids being caught vandalizing and smoking. To prevent their children from being expelled, they are tasked with organizing a fundraiser and a school dance.
As they come together to address this challenge, they connect over the shared struggles of single motherhood. In a show of solidarity, they decide to establish a club, a support group that allows each of them independent time and space, and soon all of them realize that life has so much more to offer. Helmed by Tyler Perry, the film explores the unanticipated collaboration of a group of strong women who come together to support each other. The realistic depiction of the ups and downs in the lives of these single mothers, coupled with the powerful performances, makes the audience wonder whether the origin of the story is rooted in something that is true to real life.
Is The Single Moms Club Based on Real Stories?
‘The Single Moms Club’ is not exactly based on a true story. However, Tyler Perry, who is also the writer of the film shared that the inspiration for making such a film and telling such a story did not come far from home. He shared, “About 5 or 6 years ago I retired my aunt who raised four boys by herself. She never took welfare a day in her life. She never begged for anything. I grew up with my sisters and brothers and my father was in the house, so I saw firsthand what she did. So this is my homage to her and every other single mother out there. Let’s be clear this is not a ‘Oh poor me’ movie. ‘I’m a single mother, Oh Lord.'”
The filmmaker further added, “This is about women that are doing what they have to do for their kids and not even thinking about it and just making it happen.” This movie stands out for beautifully portraying diversity among its main characters. They hail from different racial backgrounds, have varying socioeconomic statuses, and face unique challenges in their respective lives. Despite these differences, when they unite, they discover commonalities that reflect the shared human experience. This diversity mirrors the complexities encountered in everyday life. The women’s collaboration creates a nurturing environment, highlighting the importance of a supportive community.
Rooted in relatable experiences, the movie prompts contemplation about ideal ways to navigate and manage challenges, stemming from universal encounters we all share. The film maintains a strong connection to reality by depicting the lives of the children raised by single mothers. These children grapple with their own set of complexities, often expressing their frustrations through anger, primarily directed at their mothers. This portrayal provides an authentic glimpse into teenage psychology, showcasing the challenges they face while attempting to make sense of their family dynamics.
The film’s honesty in depicting these aspects contributes to the authenticity of both the narrative and the characters, offering a relatable exploration of the real-world experiences of single-parent households. Tyler Perry’s approach to filmmaking, as revealed in an interview, played a crucial role in enhancing the authenticity of ‘The Single Moms Club.’ Perry shared that he developed characters for the film and allowed them to naturally interact and evolve during the filming process. When faced with writer’s block, he delved into the psyche of the characters, thinking like them to build the scenes. This approach contributed to the genuine portrayal of the characters and their dynamics.
The dedication and craftsmanship of the talented cast, including Nia Long, Cocoa Brown, and Terry Crews, further brought Perry’s characters to life, enriching the overall cinematic experience. ‘The Single Moms Club’ may not be based on a true story, but it authentically reflects the challenges of single parenting in our society. It sends a powerful message that single parents are not alone, encouraging them to seek help within their communities or anywhere else. No one but Perry could have explained it better when he said, “Then this whole moment coming full circle once these women find each other and their village. My whole point in the movie is find your village.”
Read More: The Single Moms Club: Where Was Tyler Perry’s Film Shot?
