‘Quite an Experience’ (Exclusive): Kelly Rowland Was ‘Very Nervous’ Filming Erotic Thriller Mea Culpa

Rowland stars in and produced the Netflix film, directed by Tyler Perry

Kelly Rowland is showing fans a new side with her very first erotic thriller!

On Thursday, the “Motivation” singer, 43, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE while on the red carpet at the New York City premiere of her new Netflix film, Mea Culpa. 

The former Destiny’s Child artist tells PEOPLE that taking on the role “was quite an experience.”

“I remember being very nervous when I read the script and I remember thinking about everything that an erotic thriller possesses and that made me very intimidated,” Rowland says. “And then I had a friend of mine who called me and he said, ‘You know, Kel, if it doesn't scare you, what's the purpose of doing it?’”

That pep talk gave her the determination she needed to continue with the role.

“And so I literally ran to it. I figured everything out. Tyler Perry was so amazing and instrumental in this whole process and Trevante Rhodes was just a pleasure to work with. I was very blessed.”

Rowland's former Destiny's Child bandmate Michelle Williams attended Thursday's premiere to support her friend.

"This is a fun night for us. Kelly has been talking about this moment for a very long time," Williams, 44, tells PEOPLE.

The film is written, produced and directed by Perry, 54. Rowland stars in and produces the thriller.

Mea Culpa follows criminal defense attorney Mea Harper (played by Rowland) who takes on the murder case of artist Zyair Malloy (Rhodes), per a synopsis. 

The truth isn't as obvious as it seems — while she tries to determine the innoce -

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nce or guilt of her cagy-yet-seductive client, she soon discovers that everyone is guilty of something. The thriller explores "what happens when burning desire takes hold and things get hot... and dangerous," the synopsis continues. 

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Rowland also opened up about experiencing her first time being cast as the leading lady in a film.

“I remember thinking that that would be such a big weight to carry. And it still is a big way to carry and when you do that, you wanna make sure, of course, you’re really like nailing this role,” she says, adding that it was an “awesome experience.” 

“I feel really blessed to have had it and I want more. I would definitely, definitely like more.”

Although the “Like This” hitmaker has previously starred in a different type of thriller, like 2003’s Freddy vs. Jason, Rowland's role in Mea Culpa is a big shift from her past acting jobs.

In 2021, she starred in Lifetime’s Merry Liddle Christmas Baby, one of the network’s star-studded holiday movies.

The movie saw Rowland as Jacquie Liddle, a woman expecting a baby with her husband. 

"Fans will be able to feel the love we have poured into this story as the Liddle family expands in so many fun and unexpected ways," Rowland, who also served as an executive producer on the film, said at the time.

Mea Culpa will be available on Netflix on Feb. 23.

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