The Piano Lesson (2024) Review: A Reverent Revival of August Wilson’s Timeless Classic

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Dec 29

A stirring and profound exploration of family, heritage, and identity, The Piano Lesson honors August Wilson’s masterpiece with stellar performances and an emotional resonance that lingers.

Malcolm Washington’s adaptation of The Piano Lesson is a cinematic triumph, breathing new life into August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play while staying true to its rich theatrical roots. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, the film tells the story of a Black family grappling with how to reconcile their past with their dreams for the future, centered on a family heirloom—an intricately carved piano that holds generations of memories, sacrifices, and pain.

At the heart of the story are siblings Boy Willie (John David Washington) and Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler), who embody two opposing philosophies about legacy. Boy Willie, fiery and determined, sees the piano as a means to financial freedom—a way to purchase land in Mississippi that would establish his independence. For Berniece, the piano is an irreplaceable symbol of their family’s history, a connection to their ancestors and the struggles they endured. The tension between these two perspectives fuels the film’s narrative, creating a deeply emotional and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to honor the past while forging ahead into the future.

John David Washington delivers a magnetic performance as Boy Willie, his charisma and ambition filling every scene with energy and purpose. He portrays the character’s unrelenting drive with depth, making his motivations understandable even as they clash with his sister’s values. Opposite him, Danielle Deadwyler is extraordinary as Berniece, grounding the film with a quiet strength and vulnerability that make her deeply principled stance resonate. Her nuanced portrayal of a woman caught between mourning her losses and safeguarding her family’s legacy is nothing short of breathtaking.

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The supporting cast shines as well, with Samuel L. Jackson reprising his Broadway role as Doaker, the siblings’ uncle and the keeper of the family’s stories. Jackson brings gravitas, warmth, and a subtle weariness to the role, embodying the oral traditions that are so central to Wilson’s work. Colman Domingo as Avery, a preacher in love with Berniece, adds another layer of complexity, his character’s spiritual journey mirroring the film’s themes of preservation and progress.

Visually, the film is a work of art, blending its theatrical origins with cinematic flourishes that make the story feel both grounded and expansive. The intricate carvings on the piano itself are given careful attention, transforming the heirloom into a character in its own right. Its worn keys and haunting presence serve as a silent witness to the family’s history, embodying the struggles and triumphs of those who came before. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique’s use of lighting and framing captures the era’s intimacy and tension, while the haunting score, infused with blues and spirituals, provides a resonant backdrop that amplifies the story’s emotional impact.

What sets The Piano Lesson apart is its ability to transcend its historical setting. While it is deeply rooted in the African American experience of the early 20th century, its themes of inheritance, identity, and the sacrifices of previous generations are universal, speaking to audiences of all backgrounds. The supernatural elements woven into the story, including ghostly apparitions, add a layer of mysticism that enhances its emotional depth, reflecting the inescapable ties between the living and the dead.

If the film has any shortcomings, they lie in its occasional indulgence in prolonged scenes that, while beautifully acted, may slightly disrupt the pacing. Yet, these moments are also opportunities to immerse fully in Wilson’s evocative dialogue and the layers of emotion that each actor brings to the screen.

In the end, The Piano Lesson is a powerful and reverent adaptation that honors its source material while making it accessible to a new generation. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to preserve history, foster understanding, and inspire change.