[imagesource:netflix]

The internet is already abuzz with whispers that The Piano Lesson could be a frontrunner for the upcoming awards season.

While that is largely thanks to Malcolm Washington’s masterful direction and its evocative soundtrack, it is also by-and-by thanks to the powerhouse performances of its cast, which very much includes the legendary Samuel L. Jackson.

The Piano Lesson marks Washington’s impressive feature directorial and screenwriting debut, with his father, Denzel, producing and his brother, John, starring in this captivating adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The film also reunites Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington, who both graced the stage in the 2022 Broadway production of the thought-provoking drama, alongside their silver screen co-stars Ray Fisher and Michael Potts.

True to form, Jackson delivers a standout performance as the siblings’ uncle, Doaker Charles, who, 25 years earlier, helped Boy Willie (Washington) and Berniece’s father steal the piano from the slave owner. The film takes place in 1936 Pittsburgh during the devastating Great Depression, where the Charles family struggles to stay afloat during the global economic crisis.

As MovieWeb notes, Jackson flawlessly brings Doaker to life in this powerful historical drama, a role that earned him a Tony Award nomination for his scene-stealing portrayal in the Broadway revival. The wise yet weary Doaker tries to mediate the escalating conflict between his niece and nephew—Boy Willie, who seeks to secure his family’s future, and Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler), who wants to preserve the piano to stay connected to their ancestral roots. Despite Doaker’s best efforts, the deep-seated pain and tumultuous history of the Charles family resurface, stirring not only his own trauma but that of his relatives, both living and departed.

Fans are largely in agreement that this drama stands as a top-tier adaptation of the timeless play. The Boston Globe perfectly encapsulated the heart of the emotionally charged film, praising it in a glowing review:

“It captures the spirit of Wilson’s magnificent prose, moving the audience the way the author intended.”

The Piano Lesson was given a special presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival before debuting on Netflix on November 22, attracting universal praise from critics and audiences alike. Fans of the August Wilson classic were blown away by how faithful and immersive the powerful drama was, with many lauding how beautifully acted the adaptation was, including Danielle Deadwyler’s stellar performance.

It holds an exceptional 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and landed in Netflix’s Top 10 Films upon its premiere.

Catch The Piano Lesson on Netflix now.

[source:movieweb]