Review: The Piano Lesson

Official Synopsis: Follows the lives of the Charles family as they deal with themes of family legacy and more, in deciding what to do with an heirloom, the family piano.

Denzel Washington is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Not just because he's an incredible actor, but also with what he produces.....talented kids and screen versions of August Wilson's plays. 

I haven't been lucky enough to see any of Wilson's works on stage, but between Fences, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and now The Piano Lesson, all have transitioned well to film and have opened up new audiences to Wilson. 

It's hard to believe this is director Malcolm Washington's first feature film. He's very skilled behind the camera. This feels much larger scale than the previous Wilson adaptations and much of that is how Washington chooses to shoot it. He makes the film feel like it exists beyond the main room it takes place in. That's not always easy for something that starts as a play. And he's aided by a group of incredible actors. If I were in charge of handing out SAG's Best Ensemble award, I would give it to the actors here in a heart beat.

John David Washington has been impressing for years, but this might be his best performance. He is quite theatrical (he and some of the other actors previously played these parts on stage as well) but it didn't feel over the top or out of place. Danielle Deadwyler continues to be one to watch and gave my favorite performance here. Samuel L Jackson, Corey Hawkins, Michael Potts, and Ray Fisher round out the main cast. with smaller but memorable parts.

Because I wasn't familiar with the source material, the 3rd act caught me off guard a bit, but this is an incredible debut for Washington and this cast should be receiving every accolade that comes their way.

The Piano Lesson is now streaming on Netflix.

Grade: B