Divorce in the Black ending explained: What happens to Ava in the end?

Divorce in the Black, directed by Tyler Perry, released on Amazon Prime Video on July 11, 2024. It stars Meagan Good as Ava and Cory Hardrict as Dallas, while Joseph Lee Anderson plays Benji, Ava’s friend and close confidant.

The title follows a couple whose relationship is coming to a painful end. Viewers see Dallas’ toxic behavior throughout the movie, and as the story nears its conclusion, Ava, unable to take it any longer, kills him. Divorce in the Black ends with Ava being free of Dallas’ negative influence, and ready to start a new life with Benji.

The official synopsis of the film reads:

"Ava, a young bank professional is devastated when her husband Dallas abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate."

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Divorce in the Black: Ending explained

The film begins with Dallas' brother's funeral service, where Ava’s father, Clarence, a pastor, performs the rites. However, the first few scenes of Divorce in the Black establish that Dallas’ family does not treat Ava’s family well, and a fight breaks out between the two in the church. This sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Viewers soon learn that Dallas has decided to leave Ava. This decision leaves her devastated as she makes an effort to save the marriage. For instance, she schedules dinner with a friend, hoping this will cheer up Dallas, but receives only contempt in return.

As the tension between the couple grows, Ava starts getting close to her friend Benji in search of comfort. With Dallas becoming more aggressive, Ava finally signs the divorce papers. The plot of Divorce in the Black then becomes more complex as Ava soon begins a relationship with Benji.

However, Dallas cannot tolerate this, even though he and Ava are no longer married. He approaches Ava, requesting her to get back with him, and she refuses.

Dallas then starts tormenting Benji, and Ava’s family. First, he kills Benji's farm animals and then harasses Ava’s mother. When Ava’s father approaches Dallas’ family, demanding an explanation for the same, he is injured by them, so much so that he has to be hospitalized.

Ava eventually decides that she has had enough of Dallas’ toxicity. She lures him to her place and then confronts him about his actions. As Dallas gets visibly agitated and violent, she records him. At one point, when Dallas hits her and comes rushing towards her, Ava shoots him down with a gun.

Since evidence suggests that Ava killed Dallas in self-defense, she is not tried for the same. Dallas’ family is visibly resentful of Ava but as the film ends, Ava is seen happy and ready to begin life afresh with Benji.

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Divorce in the Black: Cast and more details explored

The film is directed by Tyler Perry and the two main characters, Ava and Dallas, are played by Meagan Good (also seen in Deliver Us from Eva) and Cory Hardrict (previously seen in Battle: Los Angeles), respectively. Other cast members include Joseph Lee Anderson as Benji, Shannon Wallace as Jim, Taylor Polidore as Rona, Richard Lawson as Clarence, and Debbi Morgan as Gene.

Since the film ends with a clear conclusion, the chances of a sequel seem thin. Although Ava has a happy ending and is free to pursue a relationship with Benji without Dallas watching her every move, her happiness could be short-lived as Dallas' family has a vendetta against her. However, official information on a possible second part is currently awaited.

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Divorce in the Black is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.