Detroit natives bring ‘Murder & Merlot’ movie to life

The filmmakers behind a new suspense-drama are showing that Detroit has homegrown talent in the movie industry.

Detroit native and former NBA player Malik Hairston is the producer of “Murder & Merlot,” which is a new film directed by fellow Detroit native Kamal Smith.

“At its core, it’s really about a woman who’s trapped in a bad marriage. She’s trying to get out of it, and her husband and her best friend are standing in her way,” Hairston said. “That’s just to simplify it, but it’s a really nuanced story.”

Before his filmmaking career began, Hairston grew up on Detroit’s west side and went on to play for the San Antonio Spurs. The former basketball player explained that he’s been in a creative space since retiring and that meeting Smith opened a door for him.

Hairston and Smith’s movie “Murder & Merlot” is now streaming on Tubi.