Written by Olivia Norbury
The release of yet another war film can often seem like a tired proposition in a somewhat oversaturated market filled with true stories of harrowing loss and trauma from the World Wars. However, Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight (2024) stands out from the crowd, drawing attention to the untold story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only U.S. Women’s Army Corps unit of colour stationed overseas during World War II. The American war film offers a gripping portrayal of an event that has been marginalised and sidelined both in historical narratives and popular culture, blending narrative drama with social commentary to explore the intersectional challenges of race, gender, and duty.
Tasked with a near impossible project, the 6888th Battalion’s mission was to sort through an enormous backlog of undelivered mail during World War II, including seventeen million letters. Their success would bolster the morale of soldiers on the front lines and reassure worried families back home. Yet sorting mail was only part of their battle. Given just six months to complete the task, their failure seemed inevitable, destined to prove correct the derogatory and discriminatory beliefs held by their superiors, including men like General Halt, who doubted the capability of Black women to serve in the army.
The film emphasises the challenges the women faced even before leaving American soil. At the army bootcamp, they endured harassment from reporters and fellow army members who questioned their place in the military. Their mistreatment continued during their harrowing voyage to Europe, in which their unescorted ship narrowly avoided an attack from a German U-boat. The shock of the scene serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous and precarious circumstances under which they served.
Upon arrival in Europe, the 6888th Battalion faced a logistical nightmare, expected to organise the mail without adequate resources, housing, or formal orders. Captain Charity Adams, portrayed with commanding intensity by Kerry Washington, emerges as the heart of the film. Adams’ determination and resilience drive the narrative as she fights tirelessly for the respect and fair treatment of her battalion. Her leadership is uncompromising, as she demands excellence from her team to counter the prejudices stacked against them. She reminds them that as women of colour, they must work twice as hard to gain the recognition they deserve. While Washington delivers a stellar performance, the supporting cast’s performance vary in quality. At times, they falter, lending certain scenes an amateurish quality reminiscent of Drama GCSE and detracting from the overall impact of the film’s story.
The film underscores the broader historical neglect of Black women, particularly in the armed forces. Subtle yet pointed details – such as the ill-fitting uniforms designed for the “pencil figure of a white woman” or the battalion’s efforts to build hair salons to meet their needs – highlight the systemic disregard for their presence and comfort. Historically, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was established in 1942 after years of advocacy, including efforts by Mary McLeod Bethune, who championed the inclusion of Black women in the military. The film briefly references these foundational struggles, providing valuable context for the battalion’s significance. These details reveal the intersectional oppression the 6888th faced in fighting not only a global war but also institutional racism and sexism.
The Six Triple Eight received mixed critical reviews: Wendy Ide critiques Perry’s direction as marred by ‘syrupy ineptitude’, accompanied by inconsistent acting that undermines the narrative. Conversely, Peter Debruge commends Perry’s work as inspirational, praising its illumination of an essential yet untold history. Both reviews hold merit, underscoring the film’s significant message, the impact of which is somewhat undermined by the uneven performances.
The film’s ending is particularly poignant. Footage of the real 6888th Battalion arriving in Glasgow in 1945, accompanied by Lena Derriecott, the leading character through whom the story is set up. The clip shows her discussing her time in the army, grounding the story in historical reality. This reflective ending not only honours the women’s contributions but also inspires further exploration into their legacy.
Based on Kevin Hymel’s article, “Fighting a Two-Front War,” the film captures the dual struggles of the 6888th Battalion: combating external threats of war and internal battles against systemic racism and sexism. Their story is one of resilience, determination, and defiance in the face of overwhelming adversity. For history enthusiasts and general audiences alike, The Six Triple Eight is a story worth watching and reflecting upon. Currently streaming on Netflix, it is an inspiring tribute to the 6888th Battalion’s enduring legacy.
Bibliography
Debruge, Peter. ‘‘The Six Triple Eight’ Review: A Battalion of Black Women Makes History in Tyler Perry’s Best Film Yet’ December 6, 2024. https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/the-six-triple-eight-review-tyler-perry-1236238165/ accessed January 21, 2025.
Ide, Wendy. ‘The Six Triple Eight review – true story of heroic black women’s battalion fails to deliver.’ December 22, 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/dec/22/the-six-triple-eight-review-black-womens-6888-postal-battalion-second-world-war-tyler-perry-kerry-washington accessed January 21, 2025.
Rothenberg Gritz, Jennie. ‘The Real Story Behind Netflix’s ‘The Six Tripe Eight,’ a New Tyler Perry Film About the Women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.’ February 13, 2023. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/real-story-behind-netflix-six-triple-eight-new-tyler-perry-film-about-women-6888th-central-postal-directory-battalion-180981540/ accessed January 21, 2025.
Image credits
Featured image: Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion taking part in a parade and ceremony on May 27, 1945. National Archive. Rothenberg Gritz, Jennie. ‘The Real Story Behind Netflix’s ‘The Six Tripe Eight,’ a New Tyler Perry Film About the Women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.’ February 13, 2023.
Retrospect Journal 