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The Family That Preys

The Family That Preys is a 2008 American comedy-drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Tyler Perry.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Family That Preys is a 2008 American comedy-drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Tyler Perry. It follows two longtime friends from different social classes whose families become entangled through business conflict, infidelity, and other secrets.

Plot

The film follows Charlotte Cartwright and Alice Pratt, two close friends from very different backgrounds, as their families face escalating turmoil. The conflict grows around business ambitions, romantic betrayal, and hidden family secrets. Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard play the two central matriarchs, Charlotte Cartwright and Alice Pratt.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Sanaa Lathan, Rockmond Dunbar, KaDee Strickland, Cole Hauser, Taraji P. Henson, Robin Givens, and Tyler Perry.

Release and reception

The film opened in 2008 and has a runtime of 111 minutes. Available sources describe its critical reception as mixed. The film is rated PG-13.

Production

Tyler Perry wrote, directed, and co-produced the film, which was produced for an American audience as an English-language drama. It is Tyler Perry's sixth feature film.

Key facts

  • The film is Tyler Perry’s sixth feature film.
  • It centers on two families, one wealthy and one working class, whose lives become intertwined.
  • Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard play the two central matriarchs, Charlotte Cartwright and Alice Pratt.
  • The film was released in 2008 and is rated PG-13.
  • Its story involves family tension, business disputes, infidelity, and a paternity secret.
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Canadian context

The film is relevant to Canadian readers as part of Tyler Perry’s mainstream English-language film output and as a widely distributed North American theatrical release.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Family That Preys about?
It follows two friends from different social classes whose families become entangled in business, romance, and secrets.
Who directed The Family That Preys?
Tyler Perry directed the film.
When was The Family That Preys released?
It was released in 2008, with a theatrical release on September 12, 2008.
Who stars in The Family That Preys?
The main cast includes Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Sanaa Lathan, Rockmond Dunbar, KaDee Strickland, Cole Hauser, Taraji P. Henson, Robin Givens, and Tyler Perry.
What genre is The Family That Preys?
It is generally listed as a comedy-drama or drama.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Family_That_Preys
    Supports: Basic film identification, year, synopsis, cast, and production credits.
  2. Tyler Perry Studios — https://tylerperry.com/tyler/archive/all/the-family-that-preys/
    Supports: Official synopsis, cast, genre, runtime, and production details.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142798/
    Supports: Release year, runtime, rating, genre, cast, and director.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the-family-that-preys
    Supports: Genre, release date, rating, runtime, cast, and synopsis.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70098607
    Supports: Synopsis and cast listing.