Tyler Perry’s ‘Finding Joy’ Struggles to Spark Festive Cheer

The holiday season is a time for warmth, nostalgia, and feel-good stories. From classics like Home Alone to local hits such as How to Ruin Christmas and Yoh! Christmas, audiences know the formula: heart, humour, and a little sparkle. Tyler Perry’s latest Amazon Prime Video release, Finding Joy, however, leaves viewers wondering if the magic of the season somehow got lost in the snowstorm.

A Predictable Plot That Falls Flat

The film introduces us to Joy (Shannon Thornton), a New York fashion designer whose talent is constantly overlooked. Her dreams seem just out of reach, and her love life is no better: she’s hopelessly infatuated with Colton (Aaron O’Connell), convinced he reciprocates her feelings—only to be crushed when he asks her to be his “best girl” at his wedding to someone else.

A sudden snowstorm strands Joy in the middle of nowhere, leading to a clichéd meeting with Ridge (Tosin Morohunfola), a rugged outdoorsman who rescues her from a frozen lake. The two are forced to coexist in his remote cabin, clashing over city-versus-country lifestyles and limited resources.

While the premise promises sparks, the film struggles to deliver. The humour often falls flat, leaning on tired stereotypes: the brash New Yorker, the humble country boy, and even ill-timed weed jokes that feel out of place in a holiday romance.

Chemistry and Charm That Never Land

The core of any holiday romance is believable chemistry, yet Finding Joy misses this mark. Joy and Ridge’s eventual connection feels more like a Hallmark formula than a genuine romance. Scenes meant to charm or amuse often drag, slowed down by dialogue that rarely feels natural or engaging. Even moments of potential tension or humour fail to resonate, leaving the viewer more frustrated than enchanted.

A Film That Ignores the Season’s Spirit

Holiday films succeed when they balance romance with the warmth of the season, capturing the feeling of shared celebration and hope. Finding Joy aims for this but instead delivers a snowed-in tale weighed down by clichés, predictable twists, and uninspired performances.

New Yorkers stuck in a cabin with strangers, romantic confessions during blizzards, and last-minute reconciliations can be charming—but only when executed with nuance and heart. In this case, Tyler Perry’s effort feels forgettable, lacking both festive sparkle and emotional resonance.

Audience Reaction: A Mixed Bag

Early reactions on social media have mirrored this disappointment. Viewers on Twitter and X describe the film as “forgettable” and “trying too hard,” while others note that even Shannon Thornton’s capable performance can’t save the overworked script. Some fans of holiday rom-coms still give it a watch for the snowy scenery and Perry’s signature style, but consensus leans toward underwhelming.

The Verdict

For those seeking comfort, laughter, or a warm holiday glow, Finding Joy struggles to deliver. It’s not a disaster—but it’s far from the seasonal magic audiences expect. With familiar clichés and flat chemistry, this is one holiday romance that’s unlikely to make the list of annual festive favourites.

Holiday watchers might be better off revisiting classics or exploring local gems that truly celebrate the season. After all, the holidays deserve a little more joy than this film provides.

Source: IOL

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