Star-Studded Adaptation Is a Therapeutic Breakthrough for Trauma Relief

August Wilson, the acclaimed American playwright, has narrated some of the best stories about African-American experiences using a deeply humanized and comprehensive narrative. Some of his notable theatrical works include Fences and Ma Rainey Black Bottomboth of which were adapted for film. Denzel Washington, who produced both films, returns for a third Wilson adaptation with The piano lesson,
which sees a black family adapt to life in Pittsburgh in 1936, after the Great Depression. Directed by Malcolm Washington and featuring a talented, star-studded cast, The piano lesson captures the importance of honoring our ancestors through legacy.

The Charles family has had its share of trauma. The film begins with a flashback to the young Charles brothers stealing a piano from Mr. Sutter’s house during the Fourth of July fireworks. This piano has been in the family for generations and contains the faces of many relatives who had to endure the tribulations of slavery. After stealing the piano, one of the Charles brothers stays behind, much to Sutter’s sinister taste. His children Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler) and Boy Willie (John David Washington) must deal with the loss of their father.

A family affair in front of and behind the camera, Washington’s moving adaptation and directorial debut is a therapeutic breakthrough in trauma relief through memory and legacy. Boy Willie and Lymon (Ray Fisher) return north to visit Berniece and Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson). With one thing in mind – buying the land of the late Mr. Sutter (the same man who once enslaved his family) – Boy Willie intends to sell watermelons and the family piano to make enough money to do so. The only thing standing in his way was Berniece.

Washington’s Piano Lesson Adaptation Is Elegant, Moving, and Healing

Berniece has her own set of problems. While caring for her daughter Maretha (Skylar Aleece Smith), she still mourns the loss of her late husband Crawley (Matrell Smith). The abrupt appearance of their brother to take away what connects them to their ancestors only makes the situation worse. This is also when Washington and Virgil Williams’ script elevates to an empathetic examination of family trauma and its aftermath. Berniece and Boy Willie, in opposing positions on what to do with the piano, also have different perspectives on their parents’ memories. When the script explores these opposing points of view, it is at its best.

With a story as complex as The piano lessonit would be very easy to make this a narrow adaptation of the play. As director, Washington plays his cards well. Balancing the emotional crescendos of his script with the paranormal features was not easy. Yet the first-time director does so with style, soul and empathy, earning every ounce of his cinematic excellence and avoiding the confines of theatrical restrictions. Even when the story reaches the paranormal segments, Washington grounds his film in the realism of black trauma, offering us a chance at vicarious healing.

Danielle Deadwyler gives an Oscar-worthy performance in piano class

Of course, many The piano lessonThe success of would not have been possible without the spectacular cast. John David Washington is in his element, navigating the emotional ups and downs of his relationship with his sister while also exploring his desire to live up to his father’s legacy. This is Danielle Deadwyler’s show, though. Incredibly nuanced and passionate, Deadwyler as Berniece is a stunning performance worthy of the highest praise this awards season. In fact, the film deserves an award for best cast because of the rich and emotional experience we have watching this Netflix drama.

A strong and confident debut from Malcolm Washington, The piano lesson is a heartfelt journey about reexamining how we honor our loved ones. The director takes a cinematic approach to approach August Wilson’s prominent stage play in a way that leaves a lasting impression. With an impressive supporting performance from Deadwyler, this cast should certainly be among the awards targets. And thanks to excellent script choices examining the importance of family legacy, you can expect to be thoroughly entertained and emotionally captivated throughout the entire runtime.

The piano lesson premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and is now streaming on Netflix. The film is 127 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for strong language, violent content, some suggestive references and smoking.