Kelly Rowland, the renowned singer and former member of Destiny's Child, is set to captivate audiences in a new light as she takes on her very first erotic thriller. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the New York City premiere of her Netflix film, Mea Culpa, Rowland opened up about her experience and the challenges she faced.
The 43-year-old artist admits that taking on the role was initially intimidating. Reading the script for an erotic thriller made her nervous, causing her to question whether she was up for the challenge. However, a pep talk from a friend gave her the courage and determination to embrace the role. With the support of director Tyler Perry and co-star Trevante Rhodes, Rowland embarked on this new venture with gratitude and enthusiasm.
To show her support, Michelle Williams, Rowland's former Destiny's Child bandmate, attended the premiere. This camaraderie among friends added to the excitement of the event for Rowland, who had been eagerly anticipating this moment.
Mea Culpa, written, produced, and directed by Tyler Perry, showcases Rowland's talent as she stars in and produces the thrilling movie. Rowland's character, Mea Harper, is a criminal defense attorney who takes on the murder case of a seductive artist named Zyair Malloy, played by Trevante Rhodes. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the truth is not as straightforward as it seems. Rowland's character finds herself caught in a web of desire and danger, unraveling the secrets of those involved.
Rowland reflects on the experience of being cast as a leading lady for the first time, acknowledging the weight that comes with such a role. However, she embraces the challenge and describes the opportunity as an 'awesome experience.' Rowland expresses her gratitude for the role and her desire to take on more diverse acting opportunities in the future.
While Rowland has dabbled in acting before, such as her appearance in the 2003 film Freddy vs. Jason, Mea Culpa marks a significant departure from her previous roles. In 2021, she delighted audiences in Lifetime's Merry Liddle Christmas Baby, a heartwarming holiday movie where she not only starred as the lead character but also served as an executive producer.
Mea Culpa promises to be a thrilling and seductive film that will enthrall viewers. As the release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Kelly Rowland's transformative performance. Mark your calendars, as Mea Culpa will be available on Netflix starting February 23rd.
