Director:Malcolm Washington
Starring:Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Jerrika Hinton, Gail Bean, with Danielle Deadwyler and Corey Hawkins
Screenplay by:Virgil Williams & Malcolm Washington
Based on the play written by:August Wilson
Produced by:Denzel Washington, p.g.a., Todd Black, p.g.a.
Executive Produced by:Jennifer Roth, Constanza Romero Wilson, Katia Washington
The much-anticipated adaptation of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson arrives on Netflix, helmed by Malcolm Washington in his directorial debut. Starring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, and Corey Hawkins, this applaudable rendition transforms Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play into a compelling and surprisingly visually stunning cinematic experience. It stands as a testament to the rich legacy of the Washington family, with Malcolm behind the camera and Denzel Washington, a producer and longstanding champion of Wilson’s work, ensuring its enduring resonance. This is fitting since the concept of the film involves family heirlooms and legacy
Following the success of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Netflix proves once again that Wilson’s works can thrive on screen, bridging the gap between stage and cinema, an impressive feat by any intellectual property. But what makes The Piano Lesson stand out isn’t just its faithfulness to Wilson’s text; it’s how this film captures the universal struggles of legacy and identity, themes that feel as vital today as when Wilson penned the play, which was in 1987.
Award-Worthy Performances
One of the standouts of the film is Danielle Deadwyler, a talented actress who I felt was snubbed for her powerful performance in Till. Once again, she delivers what feels like an Academy Award-worthy performance as Berniece Charles, a woman wrestling with grief, tradition, and the pressing realities of survival.
Berniece is a strong and proud single mother, trying to raise her daughter and create a future for her family. She is steadfast in her resolve to keep the piano—a treasured family heirloom that holds deep historical significance. What’s especially compelling is her unwavering stance against the men in her life who want to sell it. From her ambitious brother Boy Willie, played by John David Washington, to her love interest, the newly converted pastor Avery Brown, played by Corey Hawkins, Berniece refuses to compromise on what the piano represents for her family.
John David Washington’s fiery and ambitious Boy Willie is relentless—perhaps selfish—in his pursuit to sell the family’s cherished piano to buy land. His performance, which reprises his role from the 2022–2023 Broadway run, is among his best to date. The chemistry between Washington and Deadwyler is palpable, and their sibling dynamic brings the film’s central conflict to life. Their arguments about the piano feel powerful and evenly matched, with both presenting compelling perspectives. It’s a timeless conflict: how do we honor the past while forging a future? And how much are we willing to sacrifice in the process?
Samuel L. Jackson, as the wise and steadfast Uncle Doaker—another role he brought from the Broadway stage—anchors the film with an almost ancestral gravitas. His humor and laid-back approach to the rivalry between Boy Willie and Berniece reminded me of my own uncles, who always seemed to know when to let others hash out their disputes. Jackson is, as always, exceptional. Watching him, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret for missing his theater performance.
Corey Hawkins also delivers an applaudable performance as Avery Brown, a man striving to build a righteous life despite a few flaws rooted in his past. He’s a character trying to secure a better future for himself, Berniece, and her daughter, but his vision doesn’t always align with Berniece’s steadfast principles.
Michael Potts as Wining Boy Charles brings both humor and depth to the film. As a performer with a history of past success, his character reflects the struggles of many artists today who, despite their talent, feel unfulfilled or disconnected. Potts shines in moments where Wining Boy’s humor gives way to poignant vulnerability, making these scenes all the more impactful.
The most surprising performance, however, comes from Ray Fisher as Lymon, Boy Willie’s lighthearted and naive companion. Lymon is a man running from his past, hoping for a brighter future filled with money, stability, and love. Fisher’s portrayal is so immersive and transformative that at times, I barely recognized him. He fully embodied the character, bringing a sincerity and charm that elevated his role. One particularly memorable scene between Fisher and Deadwyler stands out. It reveals a rare moment of vulnerability from Berniece, a character who spends much of the film with her guard firmly up.
This ensemble cast not only brings August Wilson’s words to life but does so with a depth and authenticity that makes The Piano Lesson unforgettable. Each performance feels rooted in truth, reflecting struggles that are as relevant today as they were in Wilson’s time.
A Feast for the Eyes
The set and costume design in The Piano Lesson are nothing short of spectacular. Every detail of the Charles family’s 1930s Pittsburgh home is created in history and character, from the worn wood floors to the flickering light of oil lamps, I hear every creek and movement in the house. The titular piano, carved with the faces and stories of the family’s ancestors, is as much a character as any of the actors, its presence looming large in every frame. Making the history of the family told via flashbacks more impactful.
The costumes, were impressive with period authenticity, tell their own stories, reflecting the characters’ lives and struggles. Berniece’s muted dresses speak to a woman in mourning, while Boy Willie’s bold attire mirrors his brash and unstoppable drive. Even Winning Boy Charles’s stylish suits tell his story of past success.
Horror in the Shadows of Legacy
While The Piano Lesson is often celebrated as a family drama, Malcolm Washington leans into the play’s ghostly undertones, crafting moments of genuine horror. The spirit of the Charles family’s past is no longer just metaphorical but vividly real, with the ghost of a deceased slave owner and the family’s ancestors haunting the piano and the decisions tied to it. These moments of horror are so gripping that they often overshadow the dramatic aspects of the film. Yet, these eerie elements ultimately heighten the stakes, emphasizing the weight of generational trauma and reminding audiences that history is never truly buried—it lives on in the objects we cherish, the stories we tell, and the choices we make.
A Mirror to Modern Struggles
At its core, The Piano Lesson asks questions that are profoundly relevant today. In an age when families grapple with whether to preserve or sell heirlooms, property, or even cultural heritage for financial stability, the film hits close to home. Boy Willie and Berniece’s clash over the piano reflects a broader societal tension between progress and preservation, between capital and culture.
Moreover, the film’s exploration of generational wealth—or lack thereof—feels particularly urgent in today’s economic climate. As many families contend with how to manage the legacies of their ancestors in a world that often values material gain over history, The Piano Lesson serves as both a cautionary tale and a call for reflection.
A Washington Family Affair
The Washington family’s involvement elevates this adaptation beyond a simple retelling. Malcolm Washington’s direction is assured, skillfully balancing Wilson’s lyrical dialogue with a cinematic sensibility that feels just as impactful as the playwright’s original works. His brother, John David, delivers a performance as compelling on screen as it was on stage. Adding to the family affair, Malcolm’s mother, Pauletta Washington, appears in the film as Mama Ola, while his sister, rising star Olivia Washington, portrays Young Mama Ola. Meanwhile, Denzel Washington’s role as producer underscores his unwavering commitment to bringing Wilson’s stories to a wider audience, building on his successes with Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Conclusion
With The Piano Lesson, Netflix solidifies its role as a custodian of August Wilson’s award-winning and powerful storytelling. Anchored by stellar performances, stunning production design, and thoughtful exploration of family, history, and trauma, the film is not just worth mentioning as one of 2024’s best—it’s a vital reminder of why Wilson’s work remains relatable across generations.The creativity of the film shines through in its impactful scenes and memorable characters, making it a must-watch. The Piano Lesson earns a solid 9/10 and begins streaming on Netflix on November 22nd.
