The new Peacock film 'Strung,' a collaboration between Blumhouse and Tyler Perry, presents a thriller starring Chloe Bailey as Laila, a concert violinist struggling with career setbacks. Laila finds herself in a precarious position after accepting a live-in music tutor job for a wealthy family.
The narrative introduces Laila, who faces repeated rejections from the philharmonic and works low-paying children's music classes. Her life takes a turn when Audra (Lynn Whitfield), the grandmother of a potential student, offers her a seemingly perfect opportunity to tutor Zuri (Romy Woods), who resides in a luxurious estate. However, the opulence of the home, complete with staff, is juxtaposed with unsettling details, such as a cook with a blood-stained apron and Zuri’s constant wearing of an African warrior mask, which the film suggests are significant red flags.
Further complications arise with Zuri's mother, Imani (Anna Diop), who exhibits hostility toward Laila, attributed by some to pregnancy hormones. The family history is revealed to include Zuri’s deceased rapper father and her stepfather, Marcus (Lucien Laviscount), a music-industry executive with whom Laila had a one-night stand. These elements contribute to a growing sense of unease and foreshadow potential dangers.
Despite clear warning signs, Laila remains, taking on duties beyond tutoring, including household chores. The plot escalates with twists involving Zuri’s severe allergies, internal family dynamics, and the presence of a pet viper. The film attempts to blend elements of erotic romance, family drama, and suspense, drawing comparisons to films like 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle' and Blumhouse's 'Nocturne.'
Reviews suggest that while Lynn Whitfield delivers a notable performance, the film struggles with its pacing and tonal consistency. The screenplay, reportedly penned by the writer of 'Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever,' is criticized for its meandering plot and excessive length, failing to fully justify its runtime. The direction by Malcolm D. Lee is described as unfocused, resulting in a jumbled mix of genres and unresolved plot threads.
Ultimately, 'Strung' is characterized as an overly long and flabby thriller that overloads the audience with unsubstantiated plot devices rather than building genuine suspense. Critics recommend skipping the film, suggesting that its resolution, while dramatic, does not compensate for the protracted and unfocused narrative that precedes it.