Shannon Thornton Shines In Tyler Perry’s ‘Finding Joy,’ A Heartfelt Rom-Com About Self-Discovery

You’ve probably seen actress Shannon Thornton on STARZ’s hit television series, “P-Valley,” or Tyler Perry’s steamy film, “Mea Culpa,” but now she’s taking center stage in Amazon MGM Studios’ newest romantic comedy, “Finding Joy.”

Produced, written, and directed by Tyler Perry, the holiday romantic comedy stars Thornton as Joy, a talented but overlooked New York fashion designer. Unlucky in love and career, Joy follows her crush to Colorado for a holiday getaway. When a shocking revelation leaves her stranded in a snowstorm, Joy finds unexpected solace in Ridge (Tosin Morohunfola). This chance encounter transforms her outlook on life and love, potentially changing her path forever.

“Finding Joy” is a must-watch holiday romantic comedy that blends winter magic, the power of friendship, and an unexpected romance into a cozy, feel-good watch. The film delivers the perfect emotional escape during the holidays that audiences are sure to revisit year after year. It’s also Perry’s first holiday film in 12 years since the release of “A Madea Christmas,” bringing his signature storytelling and twists to a heartwarming winter romance. Thornton shines in her first leading role in a holiday romance, bringing heart, humor, and emotional depth to Joy’s character. She carries the emotional arc of the story in a way that feels both classic and fresh. This role showcases her versatility, and she’s sure to captivate audiences in an entirely new way.

At its core, “Finding Joy” is about unexpected love where you least expect it and the magic of self-discovery. Shannon anchors the film with a grounded and heartfelt performance that makes Joy’s journey both relatable and inspiring. Thornton is also joined by a standout ensemble cast, including Aaron O’Connell as “Colton”, and best friends Inayah as “Littia” and Brittany S. Hall as “Ashley” in scene-stealing supporting roles. Their dynamic chemistry and performances bring warmth, humor, and dimension to this festive, feel-good film.

“Finding Joy” is a delightful, escapist film that perfectly complements what we’re offering audiences, bringing the warmth, romance, and holiday spirit that rounds out the action, comedy, and adventure in some of our exciting upcoming films like “The Wrecking Crew” and “The Bluff,” said Julie Rapaport, head of film, production and development at Amazon MGM Studios.

Amber Rasberry, senior film executive at Amazon MGM Studios, shared her sentiment, “It’s a film that truly stands out—a cozy, entertaining, and genuinely uplifting holiday romance shaped by Tyler Perry’s festive touch and anchored by a beautifully compelling, breakout performance from Shannon Thornton.”

Thornton discussed her experience taking on her first leading role in the holiday romance “Finding Joy,” with me and shared that she initially felt intimidated but was reassured by Perry’s collaborative nature and the supportive cast.

“I reminded myself that I deserve to be here, and that all the hard work that I have done up until this point has put me right where I need to be. So definitely, I was afraid at first. I wasn’t sure if I was able to carry a film by myself, because this is my first time starring in a film, but Tyler Perry is great and very collaborative and really sweet, and I just had a great cast. I had really wonderful castmates who just made the process so much fun. It was a great experience,” she shared.

Thornton continued, “He edits in his head while we’re filming, which is why we don’t need as many takes. For “Finding Joy,” I remembered that process and allowed myself more time to prepare beforehand, which certainly helped. Perry is a very generous guy. He is very collaborative and open to ideas, and he just really trusted me with this film. And I’m really grateful that he offered me this opportunity.”

She revealed that she had never done a rom-com before and thought the script was fun and a charming love story, with some funny elements. She said, “It was a script that made me laugh and that just made me feel all warm and fuzzy.”

As a former New Yorker, Thornton easily related to her character. “I have definitely related to Joy, being someone who has lived in New York and who understands that grind and feeling unappreciated at your job, at your workplace, and in personal life, not really being where you’d like it to be, and having a dream for something greater. I’ve been in her shoes when it comes to that,” she reflected.

She believes the film teaches viewers to follow red flags, speak up for themselves, and be open to finding love in unexpected places, and will inspire self-discovery and encourage taking chances in love and life. “One of the things I think the film taught me and hope it will introduce audiences to, is definitely following red flags when you see something. See exactly what it is they’re presenting to you, and take it for face value. Don’t fall in love with someone’s potential,” she shared.

Thornton continued, “I think when you watch this movie, you notice how open Joy is, despite not being so lucky in love. I love that she is still open to new love. She also spent some time alone and away from people and technology. She was able to rediscover herself, and I think that’s what people will, among other things, take away from this when they see the film. To get into the holiday spirit, viewers will see beautiful snowy scenes we shot in Colorado. You see the beautiful friendship: the family friends you choose. You see this beautiful friendship that joy has with her girls, Ashley and Littia. It’s just beautiful, funny moments of levity, and also moments that make you hopeful for new love and inspire you to be open to new experiences.”