The Piano Lesson : Austin Film Festival Review

October 20, 202470/1005 min
Starring
Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher
Written by
Virgil Williams and Malcom Washington (screenplay), August Wilson ( play)
Directed by
Malcolm Washington
Run Time
2h 5min
Release Date
November 22nd, 2024
Overall Score
Rating Summary

Over the last decade, August Wilson, known as the “theater’s poet of Black America,” has seen his plays having significant moments on the big screen. In 2016, Fences was brought to life by Denzel Washington, followed by Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring the late Chadwick Boseman—both showcasing powerful performances. Now comes The Piano Lesson, directed by Malcolm Washington and Virgil Williams, a story about family legacy that often leaves you speechless.

Boy Willie (John David Washington) and Lymon (Ray Fisher) have just left Mississippi with a truck full of watermelons, headed to Pittsburgh to sell them. Boy Willie chooses Pittsburgh because that’s where his sister, Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler), and his uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson) live. See, Boy Willie has a plan: he has the chance to buy a hundred acres of land. While he has saved some money, those watermelons and something in Pittsburgh are going to help him get the rest of what he needs. The third piece of that puzzle is a piano that Boy Willie and Berniece’s grandfather turned into a work of art. While Boy Willie has no attachment to it, Berniece holds it close to her heart. At first, there are lighthearted discussions about selling it, but there’s time, as Boy Willie has to sell the watermelons first. However, the way the Charles family acquired the piano might have brought an unwelcome presence along with it. Now, the Charles family’s past and legacy are brought to the forefront as they all come together on one significant night in Pittsburgh.

Written by Virgil Williams and Malcolm Washington, the latter also directing, The Piano Lesson has many layers, but the highlight lies in watching its characters’ interactions as tensions rise. At its best, The Piano Lesson is a family drama, exploring family values and relationships that resonate deeply with audiences. Yet through this family drama, the story also casts a light on an America in the 1930s still coming to terms with its traumatic and dark past. All of this culminates in powerful moments, with Washington grounding the movie while also offering a chance for healing.

The Piano Lesson is a heartfelt journey that will have you reexamining how we view and honor our loved ones. Williams and Washington beautifully balance theatrical and cinematic elements, but as good as the writing is, it’s the performances that leave a lasting impact. Everyone is spot-on, but it’s John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler’s performances that stand out the most. Washington as Boy Willie is fantastic, navigating the emotional ups and downs of his relationship with his sister. He would be unforgettable if it weren’t for Deadwyler, who delivers a stunning, impassioned performance. The Piano Lesson is quintessentially an American story that will resonate with many and spark meaningful conversations. It also offers some of the best performances you’ll see all year in a powerful, unforgettable story.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Love Hurts

Love Hurts

February 7, 2025
I’m Still Here

I’m Still Here

February 7, 2025
The Legend of Ochi

The Legend of Ochi

February 2, 2025