by Tim Gordon
When three women sit together, laughing and finishing each other’s sentences, it is clear that the bond between them extends far beyond the set. That same energy that radiates through Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy shines through in conversation. The film, a heartfelt exploration of ambition, love, and sisterhood, follows three friends navigating life and purpose in New York City. Its stars, Shannon Thornton, Brittany S. Hall, and Inayah, embody these women with honesty, depth, and authenticity.
We watched the film earlier that morning and were struck by how grounded it felt, how deeply it reflected modern womanhood. It stands as one of Tyler Perry’s most heartfelt stories in recent memory, filled with warmth and truth that remind audiences why stories about friendship continue to resonate.
At the center of the film is Joy, a gifted fashion designer whose creativity is overshadowed by her demanding boss and a love life that seems perpetually stalled. For Shannon Thornton, best known for her work in P-Valley and Power Book II: Ghost, the character’s journey toward self-worth was both personal and universal.
“I think it’s so relatable,” Thornton says. “You work hard and don’t always get the recognition you deserve. Joy’s had her designs stolen and her voice silenced. Her love life is falling apart, too. By the end, though, she finds her power again. It’s a story about rediscovering your worth, and I think everyone can connect with that.”
Thornton’s portrayal of Joy captures the quiet strength of a woman determined to reclaim her creative voice. There is an emotional honesty to her performance that reflects the resilience of women who persevere despite disappointment. When she talks about Joy’s transformation, she smiles with the certainty of someone who understands that struggle herself. “By the time Joy reaches the end of her story,” she says, “you just want to root for her.”
In Finding Joy, every woman in Joy’s circle plays a role in helping her reach that realization. Brittany S. Hall’s character, Ashley, serves as the grounding force of the trio. Hall, known for Ballers and David Makes Man, describes Ashley as the kind of friend who refuses to let you give up on yourself.
“She represents grounding,” Hall says. “She’s the friend who keeps Joy balanced, a reflection of love and sisterhood, someone who reminds her of who she really is.”
Hall explains that her approach to the role was rooted in authenticity. She wanted to show up with love and truth, reflecting the real dynamics of female friendship. “These women really love each other, even when it’s messy,” she adds. “That’s what makes their bond so believable.”
Then there is Lydia, the unapologetically blunt and fiercely loyal friend played by Inayah. Known to audiences as a recording artist and rising actress, she found Lydia’s voice naturally because she is that friend in real life.
“I’m the tough-love friend,” Inayah admits with a laugh. “The one who’ll tell you the truth because I want you to see your worth the way the people who love you do. That’s who Lydia is for Joy.”
Her portrayal adds humor, grit, and heart to the story. Lydia is the one who cuts through the noise, delivering the truth that Joy needs to hear. “We’ve all had that friend who pushes us,” Inayah says. “Lydia’s that voice saying, ‘Don’t forget who you are.’”
Throughout his career, Tyler Perry has built a cinematic world centered on faith, family, and the power of women’s connections. From The Family That Preys to Why Did I Get Married?, his films often revolve around women supporting, advising, and saving one another through life’s trials. With Finding Joy, Perry updates that dynamic for a new generation.
“I think it really highlights a Black sister circle freshly,” Inayah says. “These girls are younger, they’re dream chasers, and they’re figuring life out in real time. We haven’t seen that version before in Tyler’s work.”
Thornton agrees. “It’s about friendship in your late twenties and early thirties, where you’re still building, still learning, still failing sometimes, but you have people who love you through it.”
Hall adds, “It’s current. It’s the truth of where a lot of women are right now, navigating careers, love, and identity all at once.”
What unites these three women on screen and off is a genuine connection. Their chemistry feels effortless, their camaraderie natural. As they reflect on filming together, their conversation drifts easily from character analysis to real-life friendship. The authenticity audiences see on screen began long before the cameras rolled.
“I think Tyler nailed it with this cast,” Inayah says. “We’re living what our characters are going through. We’re chasing dreams, looking for love, and supporting each other in real life. That’s what makes it real.”
As the conversation winds down, Thornton leans forward, smiling. “We just hope people watch it and feel inspired,” she says. “Because finding joy isn’t just the title of the movie. It’s something we’re all trying to do.”
