Las Vegas-based The Peoples Network is behind Deadly Bonds, a low-budget mystery thriller currently available on Tubi centered around a woman, Elaine Brentwood (Adia Bell), whose determination to spend the rest of her life with the man she truly loves leads her to hire a hitman to kill her husband (Mario W. Peoples). In this low-sizzle mystery/thriller, Elaine learns that jealousy can be deadly. 

Prior to checking out Deadly Bonds, I was unaware of the The Peoples Network. Dedicated to creating African American lead dramas, The Peoples Network is led by the husband-and-wife team of Bobby and Renee Peoples. Collectively,they have over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry and have written and produced over 100 web series, features, and short films since 2009.

Deadly Bonds takes a relatively familiar concept and brings it to life with an engaging ensemble cast including an especially strong Adia Bell whose character arc over the course of the film gives her ample opportunity to shine. Mario W. Peoples also impresses as her husband Daryl while supporting players are also afforded opportunities to shine including Dejia McCowan as Detective Smith, John F. Thomas as Reggie Dawson, and Jeremy Chavez as Joseph. 

Production quality is solid and Deadly Bonds is the kind of film you sit down to watch on a quiet weekend at home with the lights turned out and a glass of wine in your hands. While the story is predictable, it's engaging and it's always worth it to sit down and check out up-and-coming filmmakers. 

Practically the definition of your solid mid-range mystery/thriller, Deadly Bonds may not have blown me away but it sure intrigued me enough to want to keep an eye on The Peoples Network and their mission to bring quality opportunities to the forefront for African-American leads. I look forward to seeing where they go from here. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic