Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight brings to the screen a fascinating and long-overdue story about the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, the first and only all-Black, all-female Women’s Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II. Inspired by actual events, the film centers on their mission to tackle a mountain of undelivered mail accumulated in Europe. While sorting mail may not initially sound like the stuff of cinematic legend, Perry deftly illustrates the vital importance of the battalion’s work, which went far beyond logistics—it was about restoring morale and hope during one of history’s darkest periods.
Leading the cast with a commanding performance is Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams, the trailblazing officer tasked with leading the battalion in the face of overwhelming challenges. Washington brings depth and nuance to her role, capturing Adams’s strength and vulnerability. Her portrayal anchors the film, especially when the weight of her responsibility is palpable. Whether rallying her troops with fiery speeches or confronting the relentless racism and sexism of her superiors, Washington’s performance is nothing short of riveting.
The film opens with a look at the prejudices the women faced even before they set foot in Europe. The segregated U.S. military and the pervasive racism of the 1940s are starkly depicted, with Dean Cain’s performance as the fictional General (Dean Norris) serving as a particularly vivid, albeit heavy-handed, representation of the systemic barriers these women endured. Halt’s disdain for the battalion is matched only by his underestimation of their capabilities, setting up a clear antagonist whose presence underscores the stakes of the mission. While Cain’s portrayal verges on caricature, it serves as a reminder of the broader societal challenges the battalion was fighting against—not just overseas, but within their own country.
The story is vividly brought to life by a strong supporting cast. Ebony Obsidian shines as Private Lena Derriecot, a young woman whose personal journey adds a layer of emotional resonance to the narrative. Lena’s arc, from her Pennsylvania home to the battalion’s cold and grueling workspaces in Europe, provides a poignant lens through which the audience experiences the battalion’s struggle and triumph. Though some elements of Lena’s storyline, including ghostly visions of her late soldier boyfriend, lean into melodrama, Obsidian’s grounded performance ensures that her character feels authentic and relatable.
The camaraderie among the women is a highlight of the film. Shanice Shantay stands out as Johnnie Mae, whose quick wit and sharp tongue bring moments of levity to the otherwise somber story. Scenes in the barracks, where the women bond over shared hardships and dreams, feel like a nod to Perry’s theatrical roots. Each character delivers lines that define their personalities and struggles. While occasionally overly scripted, these moments give the audience a sense of the solidarity and resilience that carried the battalion through its mission.
Visually, The Six Triple Eight is stunning. On the one hand, the film captures the vibrancy of the era, and on the other, the bleakness of the women’s working conditions—sorting through mountains of mail in freezing hangars—and the grandeur of their accomplishment. The cinematography does justice to the scale of their task, emphasizing the sheer enormity of the backlog they were expected to clear. Paired with a sweeping score, these visuals create an epic backdrop for a story that might otherwise seem small in scale.
While Perry’s direction leans into sentimentality, it’s hard to fault the film for its emotional appeal. The story of the 6888th Battalion is inherently inspiring, and the film’s most powerful moments come from its depiction of the women’s triumphs in the face of relentless adversity. The final scenes, which depict the battalion receiving a long-overdue salute from fellow soldiers, are profoundly moving. It’s impossible not to feel pride and admiration for these unsung heroes.
That said, the film does have its shortcomings. Perry’s tendency to oversimplify complex issues occasionally undermines the depth of the story. The racism and sexism the women faced are depicted. Still, the exploration often stops at the surface level, leaving little room for a more nuanced examination of their psychological and emotional toll; similarly, including historical figures like Eleanor Roosevelt (played by Susan and Mary McLeod Bethune (played by Oprah Winfrey) feels rushed, with their scenes bordering on theatrical cameos rather than integral parts of the narrative.
Despite these flaws, The Six Triple Eight (now streaming on Netflix) succeeds in its mission to honor the legacy of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion. The film sheds light on a vital but overlooked piece of history, celebrating the courage and determination of these trailblazers who served their country with distinction. Perry’s film is a stirring tribute to their contributions, reminding us that heroism comes in many forms. Whether on the battlefield or in the icy confines of a mail-sorting hangar, the women of the 6668th exemplified the best of what it means to serve.