Exploring the Depths of ‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story’ with Tiffany Black and Yaya DaCosta
Featuring Tiffany Black and Yaya DaCosta, the Lifetime original movie ‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story’ is a deep-dive into a tale of generational trauma and an unsettling journey towards self-identification. The movie is based on the memoir of Monique Smith, a Black woman who endured years of torment and discovered that the family that raised her was not her biological kin. This story, which directly resonates with our community, is a poignant narrative about trauma, identity, and the winding path towards recovery.
Tiffany Black, a reputable acting coach, and writer, brings the character of Elizabeth alive on screen. Elizabeth is a multi-faceted character who symbolizes the painful legacy of generational trauma. Black’s portrayal of Elizabeth is both eye-opening and heart-wrenching, a testament to her prowess as an actor.
Starring as Monique Smith and also serving as the executive producer, Yaya DaCosta proves herself to be a powerhouse of talent. As per Black, DaCosta’s presence on the set was grounding and comforting, mirroring the warmth of her voice-over work in the movie. They developed a strong rapport, constantly checking on each other to ensure optimal performance.
Black candidly expressed the joy she found in working with DaCosta. She admired her even before they collaborated and found the experience of working with her to be an absolute pleasure. Black, who also plays a mother figure to the child actress in the movie, found it fulfilling to craft the story beyond the written text and to see their concerted efforts pay off on screen.
Playing a complex character like Elizabeth required Black to dig deep and empathize with her character. As a trained actor, Black didn’t want to judge her character but rather sought to understand the layers that made Elizabeth complex. In her preparation for the role, Black drew on her personal experiences and the instances of child abuse she witnessed. She also considered the unique circumstances of Elizabeth, who abruptly transitioned into motherhood without the natural progression of pregnancy. This perspective allowed Black to approach her character with empathy.
When she isn’t embodying various characters on screen, Black is honing other people’s acting skills. Recently, she worked as an acting coach to Grammy Award-winning artist SZA for her role as Alyssa in the buddy-comedy film ‘One of Them Days.’ Black recalls her time with SZA as fun and fulfilling. She appreciated SZA’s openness to learning and her express desire for an acting coach. Black found it rewarding to guide SZA and saw her musical background as an advantage because she could use musical terms to explain acting techniques.
‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story’ is more than just a film. It is a testament to the strength of individuals like Monique Smith who have faced the harshest realities and emerged victorious. It explores the harsh realities of abuse, the complexities of identity, and the long, tortuous road to healing. Bolstered by the powerhouse performances of Tiffany Black and Yaya DaCosta, the movie promises a riveting watch that leaves a lasting impact.
The film premiered on Lifetime and drew viewers into a gripping narrative of trauma, identity, and recovery. With a brilliant cast and a story that speaks volumes, ‘Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story’ is a must-watch for those seeking a raw, emotional, and profoundly human story.