The Piano Lesson is a beautifully crafted chamber piece adapted from the great August Wilson play of the same name that contains some of the best performances you will witness this year.
Directed by Malcolm Washington, The Piano Lesson is truly a family affair. The son of legendary actor Denzel Washington — who is also a producer on the film, The Piano Lesson also stars Malcolm’s brother John David Washington. His sister Katia Washington is also a producer on the film.
The backdrop of this story takes place in the city of Pittsburgh. The Charles family has a precious heirloom that has become an indelible part of the family home – a piano. The architecture of the piano in and of itself tells a story, the story of the carvings of ancestor’s faces that go back during times of slavery.
A charismatic young man by the name of Boy Willie (John David Washington) wants to own some land, and in order to purchase that piece of property he has to sell this precious heirloom. The very piano that has his families’ faces embossed on this wood, is the same piano his sister Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler) is fiercely protective of.
Uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to keep this family tethered together as conflict ensues between the two siblings and this piece of property. But there’s something more to the piano than just its rich history, there’s a supernatural spirit bonded to it and it is clearly unsettled. Strange things start to happen in the family home as the light begins to flicker on and off and shadows move in and out about.
With the help of Avery (Corey Hawkins), a pastor who reluctantly agrees to bless the home and remove the dark spirit by Berniece’s request, the story shifts into a horror-thriller that keeps you on edge.
What gives The Piano Lesson its character and charm is simply the performance of its actors. Since this was adapted from a stage play, it is mostly an insular setting for this ensemble cast, with the majority of their blocking and actions taking place inside of the family home.
The standout performer in this cast by far is Ray Fisher as Lymon. Reprising this portrayal from the 2022 Drama Desk-nominated role, he adds levity, depth, and intrigue respectively and steals every scene. There’s a tender moment between him and Berniece as he’s showing her affection and slowly putting perfume on her neck as a way to seduce her.
This scene was poignant given that Berniece was accosted by Avery who was also romantically interested in her. However, the feeling wasn’t quite mutual because she wasn’t ready to get married. However, when Lymon shows interest in her, she welcomes it.
The Piano Lesson is a film that has certainly been brought up in the awards conversation and I think Malcolm Washington having the weight of his family name could make a play for Best Director. Although first time directors getting nominated are hard, and Black directors are harder. Cord Jefferson couldn’t even sneak out a nod for American Fiction which earned several nominations.
However, I think if anything, Ray Fisher should be heavily considered for Best Supporting in this performance. He is truly the stand out here, and although Samuel L. Jackson won the Tony over Fisher in the same role, I think things could play out differently for a feature film.
Danielle Deadwyler also is impeccable in her role as Berniece. Truth be told Danielle is one of the finest actors of our generation and it is a crime that she didn’t get an Oscar nomination for Till. The Piano Lesson which screened here at the Toronto International Film Festival is Danielle’s second film here at the fest. She’s also in another film directed by R.T. Thorne called 40 Acres and gives her all in that role as well. In a campaign race when Black women are few and far between mentioned for Oscar consideration, Deadwyler should at least have a campaign around her for Best Actress. She’s a strong performer, she leads every scene and she brings the ensemble together.
The cinematography also deserves some love as there is strategic use of hand held shots during a scene with Wining Boy (Michael Potts) who is intoxicated. As he stumbles and slurs his words throughout the scene, the camera loses balance along with him, giving the audience the same perspective Wining Boy experiencing loss of coordination through his drunken state.
The Piano Lesson with its clever writing, stunning performances and flawless cinematography is a movie that I have no doubt that August Wilson himself would be proud to see magnified on the big screen.
The film also stars: Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Jerrika Hinton, and Gail Bean.
The Piano Lesson screened at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
The Piano Lesson premieres in select theaters November 8th and streams on Netflix November 22nd.
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