Directed By: Malcolm Washington 

Written By: Virgil Williams and Malcolm Washington 

Based on the play by: August Wilson 

Cinematography: Michael Gioulakis 

Editor: Leslie Jones 

Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins, Stephen James, Erykah Badu, Michael Potts, Pauletta Washington, Skylar Aleece Smith 

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.

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Based off of August Wilson’s play this film obviously is more theatrical, though it does find ways to have more outdoor scenes and leave the central location of a family’s house.

The cast is all excellent especially Danielle Deadwyler even though the film is more of an ensemble. This is also one of the best performances I have seen John David Washington give in his career so far it might not be as memorable, but he seems a little more open and loose than he usually appears to be in most of his roles, it might be that his brother.  Malcolm Washington is directing him so he has more trust in him as a Director he can be more vulnerable here.

The film has many memorable scenes, especially an impromptu sing-along by the male members of the cast that is infectious and feels like it goes by way too quickly.

The film is filled with sharp visuals, memorable characters, and dialogue. It even manages to get a little supernatural throughout as it focuses on black history and family history, but also black folklore a bit.

The material is informative and a bit more melodramatic, though it’s also historical, which is a rarity to be seen when it comes to African-Americans and family, especially generational dram of legacy inheritance motives, and love.

While one has a limited knowledge of the works of August Wilson, so far out of his place that have been brought to the big screen like fences black bottom this one has the happiest ending and while it involves family drama, there is no doubt that there is love and support of one another so this ends up being one of the happier plays which unfortunately it’s also comes across as maybe not as strong as the other two though at least this one is uplifting.

Just like the object in the center of the piano, it is also well crafted and carries a history all its own, which is why it’s a slow burn but effective

This feels like a prestige production and one of the more obvious Oscar-bait films so it’s still a story worth telling  and watching 

Grade: B