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(Los Angeles, CA – February 27, 2026) – LaRae Wilson’s MainStage Productions and Homestead Entertainment have partnered to release Wilson’s psychological thriller “MEAT,” now streaming on Tubi. An official selection for the Baldwin Hills Black Film Festival, the movie will be showing Saturday at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall (3650 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 9008). The film stars breakout actress Tiffany Toney, alongside Rhonda Bankston, Vincent M. Ward, best known for his roles on “The Walking Dead” and “House of Vicious,” with featured actress Tia “Tia P.” Parchman from Netflix’s “Rhythm and Flow.” Ward also serves as a producer on the film. Watch the trailer on MainStage Productions’ YouTube channel.
“MEAT” marks Wilson’s third feature film, continuing her ascent as a filmmaker who thrives in the dark, gripping terrain of thriller-driven storytelling. Set in Southern California, the film follows Lauren (Toney), a 26-year-old homeless woman who flees an abusive relationship while eight months pregnant. Believing she’s finally reached a turning point, Lauren finds refuge in a halfway house, only to discover that the people controlling it are harboring sinister motives. As young women begin to vanish, Lauren realizes that her fight for survival, and for her unborn child, has only just begun.
Wilson explains what inspired her to write the film. “I wrote ‘MEAT’ to shine a light on the people we overlook every single day. The ones we step around on the sidewalk, the ones we never stop to truly see or wonder about,” she said. “We have to do better. We ‘can’ do better.”
Toney shared why she connected so deeply with her role and Wilson’s approach. “People often cast me as the ‘mistress’ or ‘bad girl,’ so this was different,” Toney said. “Nobody knew it at the time, but I was homeless in real life when we shot this. Also, as a survivor of abuse, I could relate to Lauren.”
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Bankston, who brings depth and authenticity to the project, discussed her character. “I am excited about the role of Pearl in the film because I have prayed to do films that can ‘stretch’ me. The role of Pearl did just that,” she said.
Parchman, who is also a musician, songwriter, and producer, is excited for audiences to see her in a new light. “It’s so different than any other role I’ve been asked to be in, but it lines up perfectly with the kind of crime/ gory movies and shows I watch,” she said. “I love pushing myself and doing the unexpected, and ‘MEAT’ has given me that opportunity.”
Wilson continues to build a reputation as a fearless female filmmaker blazing her own path behind the camera. Her presence in the thriller genre stands as a powerful testimony to what women in film can accomplish when given the platform to lead with vision and courage. With “MEAT,” Wilson not only demonstrates her evolving mastery of tension and character but also contributes to the growing movement of women shaping authentic new narratives in cinema. “MEAT” represents women and children, underscoring the importance of protecting those who cannot protect themselves. It gives them a voice.
Ward, who has worked with Wilson on other projects, explains what drew him to this film. “The script, the characters, and the story were different. It was fresh, it was new, it was MEATY,” he said. “LaRae creates a safe space for us to go deep and be seen, not only as characters but as real human beings.”
Additionally produced by Josie Hines, “MEAT” also features Everett Ray Aponte, Earl White, and Wesley Pate Jr. as executive producers, providing additional industry support for the film’s creative vision.
