Netflix has just released a new horror drama starring John David Washington called The piano lessonwith its cast and story having important connections to the 2016 Denzel Washington film Fences. Directed by Malcolm Washington, The piano lessonThe cast of is led by Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler as Doaker, Boy Willie and Berniece Charles. Set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1936, the drama follows Charles’ relatives as they fight over the fate of their family piano, which features designs carved by their enslaved ancestor.
The piano lesson finally arrived on Netflix on November 22, 2024, receiving excellent reviews from critics. The film currently holds a 90% “Certified Fresh” score from critics on Rotten tomatoeswith substantial praise aimed at the cast’s performances, the blend of horror genre and dramatic approach, and the authentic and moving adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 film. The piano lesson to play. With awards news, critical acclaim, and narrative similarities, The piano lessonThe successful launch of provides a fitting reminder to watch the 2016 launch Fencesanother dramatic film based on August Wilson, led by the Washington family.
The piano lesson and fences are based on pieces from August Wilson’s “The Pittsburgh Cycle” series
The Piano Lesson and Fences Are Part of Denzel Washington’s Film Adaptation Deal with the Pittsburgh Cycle
Netflix The piano lesson and the 2016 drama Fences they are both adaptations of plays by August Wilson The Pittsburgh Cycle. Wilson has ten plays featured in this cycle, which explore the lives, conflicts, and experiences of black families in Pittsburgh over different decades. The narratives of these plays are not necessarily interconnected, but some characters appear in multiple titles. Fences (set in the 1950s) was the third entry in August Wilson’s acclaimed film Pittsburgh Cyclewith The piano lesson (set in the 1930s) marking the fifth installment.
August Wilson’s first play Pittsburgh Cycle It’s from 1982 Jitneywhich takes place in the 1970s.
In 2016, Wilson Pittsburgh Cycle the series has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity on the big screen, as Denzel Washington adapted Fences in a film he directed, produced and starred in. Fences became a huge awards show success with substantial critical acclaim, currently holding an impressive 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film received four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, with Washington and co-star Viola Davis winning best acting awards at the SAG Awards for their roles.
The success of Fences led Denzel Washington to produce additional adaptations of August Wilson’s plays from Pittsburgh Cycleincluding Netflix Ma Rainey Black Bottom in 2020 and now The piano lesson in 2024. Although Denzel Washington does not star The piano lesson like he did in Fenceshe still plays a key role in the film’s creative choices as producer.
There are some compelling and haunting thematic similarities and contrasts between Denzel Washington’s Troy Maxson and John David Washington’s Boy Willie Charles, who play comparable roles in their respective stories.
Some of August Wilson’s works Pittsburgh Cycle stories share some character overlap, but this is not the case for Fences and The piano lesson. Still, with The piano lessonThe story of the Charles family, which takes place in the 1930s, is seems like a narrative that leads to drama and the experiences of Fences‘Maxson family in the 1950s. There are some compelling and haunting thematic similarities and contrasts between Denzel Washington’s Troy Maxson and John David Washington’s Boy Willie Charles, who play comparable roles in their respective stories, making them Fences and The piano lesson an emotionally heavy but powerful dual-feature viewing experience.
The piano class and fences are led by members of Denzel Washington’s family
Denzel Washington’s Family Members Play Various Parts in Piano Lesson Over the Fences
Not only are they The piano lesson and Fences united by their basis in the plays of August Wilson, but also share many overlaps through Denzel Washington’s family. Fences starred and was directed and produced by Oscar winner Denzel Washington, with The piano lesson expanding its staff to include the next generation of Washingtons. With Denzel Washington still serving as producer, The piano lesson it also stars his son John David Washington, his wife Pauletta Washington, and his daughter Olivia Washington. Additionally, the film is executive produced by his daughter, Katia Washington, and directed and co-written by his son Malcolm Washington.
Member of the Washington Family |
Role in The piano lesson |
---|---|
Denzel Washington |
Producer |
Katie Washington |
Executive Producer |
Malcolm Washington |
Director/Screenwriter |
John David Washington |
Actor (Boy Willie Charles) |
Pauleta Washington |
Actor (Mama Ola) |
olivia washington |
Actor (Young Mama Ola) |
The piano lesson is not the first film Denzel and John David Washington have worked on together, as the younger Washington appeared in smaller roles in 1992. Malcolm X and 1995 Devil in a blue dress. However, The piano lesson This is the first time that Malcolm Washington collaborates with his father, brother, sisters and mother as a director. Malcolm Washington previously produced the 2021 film North Hollywoodwith The piano lesson marking his directorial debut. After Denzel Washington received Oscar nominations for Fencesyour children will likely follow suit The piano lesson.
What will be the next August Wilson film produced by Denzel Washington after the piano lesson
The next film in Denzel Washington’s Pittsburgh cycle goes further back in time
Denzel Washington announced in 2015 that he would produce film adaptations of all 10 August Wilson plays. Pittsburgh Cycle. Washington has already adapted three of these 10, with more on the way soon. In September 2024, Denzel Washington confirmed that his next August Wilson adaptation would be 1986 Joe Turner came and went. Set in the 1910s, Joe Turner came and went brings Pittsburgh’s focus to two decades earlier The piano lessontimeline. So far, no cast and crew details have been announced for Netflix. Joe Turner came and went adaptation, in addition to production by Denzel Washington.
Source: Rotten tomatoes