Duplicity ending explained: Why was Rodney killed?

Tyler Perry's Duplicity is out on Prime Video since March 20, 2025.

Duplicity stars The Vampire Diaries fame Kat Graham in the lead, along with Meagan Tandy, Tyler Lepley, RonReaco Lee, Joshua Adeyeye, Jimi Stanton, among others.

Written and directed by Tyler Perry, Duplicity follows Marley, an attorney whose friend Rodney has presumably died due to police brutality. Marley discovers shocking truths as she takes up the case. Towards the end of the film, it is revealed that Rodney was killed out of resentment, and his killers also hoped to capitalize on his death.

Let us find out more details about Rodney's death in Duplicity.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers on Duplicity. Reader discretion is advised.

Duplicity ending explained: Why was Rodney killed?

In Duplicity, Marley uncovers the actual killers of Rodney, and it is revealed that his horrific killing was preplanned by his wife, Fela, along with Tony and Kevin.

What initially looked like a case of a racial violence and police brutality is actually a murder orchestrated by people close to Rodney. Since the truth is more than what meets the eye, Marley has to read through a complicated case.

The primary driving factors that led the trio to plot Rodney's murder, is twofold. One, due to envy. And second, money.

It is discovered that Rodney was committing adultery, as he was involved in an affair with a woman named Anna Lewis. This angered Fela, who was also secretly involved with a man named Kevin. Together, they decided to murder Rodney.

Here is where Tony, too, came into the picture. Anna, whom Rodney loved, had a troubled history with Tony. He was a friend of Rodney and also the partner of Marley. It was revealed that Tony, under the guise of a fake alias, Kevin, had created a dating profile where he met Anna.

Soon, however, Anna wanted to discontinue seeing Tony as he was abusive and controlling in nature. Rodney gave support to Anna, and in the process, they fell in love. That is why the trio got together and planned Rodney's murder.

Tony knew Marley was an excellent attorney, as she had previously helped him with a case that profited him financially. So, they devised a plan which would not only let them get rid of Rodney but also let them achieve immense monetary gains, as settlement.

Since they wanted to have their hands clean, they carefully staged a scene of a racially-motivated police brutality. Kevin was a part of the police force, which enabled them to plan easily.

They made Kevin's fellow colleague Caleb Kaine a pawn in their game. Caleb Kaine was a white man who had a history of racism. Later, as the story progressed, Caleb Kaine was acquitted, and he reestablished his public image.