Malcolm D. Lee, known for directing comedies such as The Best Man and Girls Trip, has expanded into the psychological thriller genre with his latest film, Strung. The project, which premiered as the opening night selection at the 30th American Black Film Festival, is currently available to stream on Peacock. The film stars Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, and Coco Jones.
What is the plot of Strung?
Strung centers on Layla, a talented violinist attempting to recover from a significant personal loss. According to the film’s synopsis, Layla’s career prospects stall when she fails to secure a position with the Philharmonic. She resides with her best friend, Jasmine—played by Coco Jones—and works as a music tutor for children. The narrative shifts when Layla accepts a live-in position tutoring the granddaughter of an affluent woman named Audra, portrayed by Lynn Whitfield. The story is characterized by themes of deception, trust, and family dynamics.
Why did Malcolm D. Lee choose this project?
Lee stated that he sought to move beyond the comedy genre that defined much of his previous work. "I don’t consider myself a one trick pony," Lee told ESSENCE. "I love doing comedy, but I’ve always wanted to do different genres." He noted that the screenplay was a "page-turner" that encouraged him to engage with the material while reading. Despite the shift in genre, Lee maintained a focus on human relationships, using suspense as a vehicle to explore trust and betrayal within a family unit.
How does music influence the film?
Music functions as both a narrative device and a character element in Strung. Lee chose the violin for the lead character because of its emotional range. "I love strings in general because they can bring such emotion to a project," Lee explained to ESSENCE. He noted that he considered making the character a cellist but decided against it, feeling the violin better suited the haunting and melodic tone required for the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Who is in the cast?
The production features an ensemble cast led by:
- Chloe Bailey as Layla
- Lynn Whitfield as Audra
- Lucien Laviscount as a mysterious counterpart to Layla
- Anna Diop
- Coco Jones as Jasmine
Chloe Bailey noted that working with Lynn Whitfield provided a professional masterclass. "Ms. Lynn taught me to be even more present," Bailey said. She highlighted Whitfield’s commitment to the craft, noting that Whitfield would provide full effort even when the cameras were not focused on her, which helped other actors improve their reactions.
How was the film produced?
The film is a collaborative effort involving several prominent producers. The production team includes Tyler Perry, Jason Blum, Tim Palen, Malcolm D. Lee, and Dominique Telson. Lucien Laviscount, who plays a primary role, praised Lee’s direction, noting that the filmmaker applied the storytelling instincts he refined through years of directing ensemble films to the thriller format. "Malcolm knows exactly what he wants, how he wants it," Laviscount said. "I think that you kind of bring what you can to set and yeah, it’s a beautiful compromise."
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