The Family That Preys 2008
Directed by
Tyler Perry
Made by
Lionsgate
Plot Summary
Socialite Charlotte Cartwright finds herself hosting her best friend Alice Evans’ daughter Andrea’s lavish wedding to construction worker Chris Bennett. However, Charlotte’s own son, William, and his wife Jillian, decide to elope, bypassing any chance for Charlotte to manage an extravagant reception for them.
Fast forward four years, Pam, Andrea’s sister, is married to Ben and juggles taking care of Andrea’s three-year-old son while earning extra income at their mother’s diner. Despite her finery, including designer outfits and a brand-new Mercedes, Andrea neglects to help financially at home while secretly engaging in an affair with William.
Chris aspires to establish a construction firm with Ben, but Andrea mocks his ambitions. A setback occurs when Chris is turned down for a bank loan, only to later discover that Andrea has stashed away nearly $300,000 in a concealed account. Confronted by Andrea for snooping through her private financial information, Chris learns that the funds are actually bonuses from William, and she outright refuses to support his business venture.
Determined to prove his worth, William seeks to seize control of the family business from Charlotte, believing that a recent $500 million deal he secured will validate his potential. To fund the deal, Charlotte hires Abigail “Abby” Dexter as COO and contemplates selling 10% of her shares, which would reduce her to a minority vote. With their combined votes, William and Abby suggest this strategy to Charlotte.
In a bid to unwind, Charlotte persuades Alice to embark on a spontaneous road trip in a vintage convertible. They embrace the unpredictable journey, visiting lively honky-tonks and even male strip clubs, before Alice introduces Charlotte to a communal baptism. However, the pressure builds, leading Charlotte to reveal her devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that doctors state cannot be curbed.
At a gala, both Jillian and Abby uncover Andrea and William’s affair. Following a confrontation, William dismisses Chris and Ben when Chris requests financial backing for their proposed construction company. Abby warns Andrea of the potential fallout from the affair, but Andrea remains undeterred, convinced that William will protect her interests.
After returning to Atlanta, Charlotte is confronted by Andrea over the taken $300,000, leading to a heated exchange. Andrea’s arrogance becomes apparent as Chris, feeling betrayed, retaliates. When Alice implores Andrea to mend things with Chris and end her affair, urging her to reconsider the path she is on, Andrea stubbornly refuses.
As William schemes to dominate the family business, Jillian seeks Charlotte’s guidance. Charlotte reminds her that, as a scorned woman without a prenuptial agreement, she can navigate divorce or reconciliation effectively. Tensions escalate when Chris confronts William physically on site, and Jillian issues a stern warning to Andrea, telling her to stay away from her family.
Determined to regain control, Charlotte convenes a board meeting and, with Alice’s secret backing, manages to have William ousted from the firm. It’s revealed that Alice has been receiving critical financial advice from Nicholas “Nick” Blanchett, a homeless man she had been helping. Nick’s expertise, however, had allowed him to keep moving and surviving after personal losses, and now he aids Alice’s cause.
In a climactic twist, Andrea approaches William expecting reconciliation, only to be brusquely rejected as he drives away, dismissing her claims about their son’s paternity. Heartbroken, Charlotte ultimately succumbs to her struggles and takes her own life.
In the aftermath, Chris and Ben flourish with their business, while Andrea is left haunted by guilt and jobless, struggling in low-rent conditions dependent on Chris for child support. Nick, finally recognized for his wealth, acquires a house, while William and Jillian reconcile. Alice drives away in Charlotte’s car, clutching a photo of the two, prepared to embrace a fresh start on the open road.
Timeline
Charlotte Hosts Andrea's Wedding
Socialite Charlotte Cartwright hosts her best friend Alice Evans' daughter, Andrea's, lavish wedding to Chris Bennett, a construction worker. The event contrasts sharply with Charlotte’s own family dynamics as her son William and his wife Jillian decide to elope, leaving Charlotte disappointed and unable to manage a grand celebration for them.
Four Years Later: Pam's Struggles
Four years later, Pam, Andrea's sister, is married to Ben and manages their family while working at their mother’s diner. Despite her affluent appearance, including designer clothes and a luxury car, Andrea neglects her home and secretly engages in an affair with William, complicating family dynamics.
Chris's Business Aspirations
Chris, wanting to start a construction firm with Ben, faces a setback when he is denied a loan. However, he learns that Andrea has hidden nearly $300,000 in a secret account, money that he later discovers comes from William's bonuses, complicating their financial troubles.
William's Ambition
Determined to prove his worth, William plans to take control of his family's business after securing a significant deal worth $500 million. To facilitate this, Charlotte hires Abigail 'Abby' Dexter as COO and considers selling part of her shares, triggering power struggles within the family.
Charlotte’s Road Trip
Charlotte persuades Alice to join her on a spontaneous road trip in a vintage convertible. They enjoy an adventurous journey, but amidst the laughter, Charlotte reveals her devastating early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, drastically changing the course of their lives.
Affair Discovered at the Gala
At a gala, both Jillian and Abby discover the clandestine affair between Andrea and William. Tensions rise during a confrontation, and William dismisses Chris and Ben's request for financial support, revealing the deep fractures in their relationships.
Charlotte Confronted by Andrea
After returning to Atlanta, Charlotte faces Andrea regarding the stolen $300,000. Their fiery exchange showcases Andrea's arrogance, and Chris, feeling betrayed, lashes out, complicating the already tense family dynamics.
Jillian Seeks Advice
Jillian, feeling lost in her marriage to William, approaches Charlotte for guidance. Charlotte reminds her of her strengths as a scorned spouse without a prenuptial agreement, illuminating the struggle for power within their tumultuous relationships.
Tensions Escalate
Tensions boil over when Chris physically confronts William at a construction site over personal grievances, while Jillian lays down an ultimatum to Andrea. The confrontation reveals the fragile alliances and rivalries within the family.
Charlotte's Power Moves
In a bid to regain control of the family business, Charlotte calls for a board meeting and, with Alice's secret support, manages to oust William from his position. Behind the scenes, Alice has been getting critical financial advice from Nick, a homeless man she has been assisting, showcasing the hidden strengths of seemingly powerless characters.
Andrea’s Heartbreak
Andrea seeks reconciliation with William, only to be brusquely rejected as he dismisses her claims about their son’s paternity and drives away. This emotional rejection leaves Andrea devastated and exposed in the wake of their affair.
Charlotte’s Tragic Decision
Overwhelmed by her struggles with Alzheimer's and family betrayals, Charlotte makes the heartbreaking decision to take her own life. Her passing leaves a profound impact on those around her, emphasizing the tragic consequences of their tumultuous relationships.
Aftermath for Chris and Ben
In the aftermath of Charlotte’s death, Chris and Ben flourish in their newly established construction business, symbolizing a fresh start. Meanwhile, Andrea is left to grapple with feelings of guilt and joblessness, dependent on Chris for support.
Nick's Transformation
Nick, once homeless and underestimated, receives recognition for his knowledge and wealth. He acquires a house, illustrating a significant transformation and the possibility of a new beginning for his character.
A New Beginning for Alice
Alice drives away in Charlotte's car, clutching a cherished photo of the two friends. This moment symbolizes her readiness to embrace a fresh start and leave behind the turmoil that has defined their recent lives, embracing hope for the future.
Characters
Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates)
Charlotte is a wealthy socialite with a complex personality, torn between her desire for control and her vulnerabilities. Her struggle with Alzheimer's disease adds depth to her character, showcasing her resilience and the emotional toll of her circumstances.
Andrea (Sanaa Lathan)
Andrea is depicted as a conflicted character who grapples with her selfish desires and the consequences of her actions. Her affair with William reveals her desperation and refusal to confront the reality of her choices, impacting her relationships deeply.
William
William embodies ambition and betrayal as he seeks control over the family business, his actions driven by a mix of entitlement and desperation. His relationship with Andrea complicates his character, ultimately leading to a fall from grace.
Alice Evans (Alfre Woodard)
Alice is Charlotte's supportive friend and confidant, who showcases a mix of strength and compassion throughout the film. Her actions reflect her desire to uplift those around her while dealing with her own personal struggles.
Setting
Time period
The events unfold over a span of several years, showcasing the evolution of relationships and the impact of time on personal aspirations and familial dynamics. The characters face significant life changes, particularly as they navigate love, betrayal, and loss.
Location
Atlanta
The movie is set primarily in Atlanta, a bustling city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse communities. It serves as the backdrop for the personal and familial struggles depicted in the story, adding layers of complexity to the characters' lives.
Themes
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Betrayal
Betrayal plays a central role in the narrative as family members and friends engage in secret affairs and deceitful actions. Andrea's affair with William and the subsequent fallout highlight the devastating impact of broken trust on relationships.
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Family
The theme of family is intricately woven throughout the story. The characters grapple with their familial ties, strained relationships, and the lengths they will go to for one another, demonstrating both the bonds and tensions that exist within a family unit.
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Mortality
Mortality is a significant theme, particularly with Charlotte's diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease leading to her tragic fate. This theme underscores the importance of cherishing relationships and the harsh realities of life’s fragility.
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