Netflix has a habit of saving its best original movies for the end of the year. In late fall and early winter, streaming services tend to release major awards nominees in 2024, including The Piano Lessons, a compelling drama that’s a real family affair both in front of and behind the camera; ” is included.
“The Piano Lesson” is available to stream on Netflix starting today (Friday, November 22) and is a collaboration within the Washington family. The film is directed by Malcolm Washington, with his brother John David Washington in the lead role, and his father Denzel Washington (aka Hollywood’s Coolest Man) serving as producer. After watching this movie, you’ll come to one conclusion: The Washington family is incredibly talented.
I saw an advance screening of The Piano Lesson during its very limited theatrical run. Be sure to add this new Netflix movie to your watchlist. It’s one of the streamer’s best original productions all year, and an incredible achievement in screenwriting.
What is a “piano lesson”?
Piano Lessons | Official Trailer | Netflix – YouTube Watch On
Set in 1930s Pittsburgh in the aftermath of the Great Depression, “Piano Lessons” follows the Charles family at odds over what to do with an ornate family heirloom piano decorated with elaborate carvings of their slave-era ancestors. .
A young boy, Willie Charles (John David Washington), wants to sell his musical instrument in order to buy his own land, but his sister Bernice (Danielle Deadwyler) refuses to sell it for cash, leaving the piano with the Charles family. I believe it should. Meanwhile, Uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to maintain a peaceful household as sibling rivalry escalates.
As the debate over what to do with the piano continues, rumors of a vengeful spirit spread through the town, and a supernatural mystery looms over the Charles family. Things unexpectedly come to a head in a heated argument that decides the final fate of the piano and the Charles family.
“The Piano Lesson” is one of the best-written movies of the year
(Image credit: David Lee / Netflix)
Considering The Piano Lesson is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best-written movies of 2024. Unabashedly theatrical in its structure, “The Piano Lesson” sees its characters exchange long sequences of razor-sharp barbs, mostly in a single location: Doaker’s packed house. Masu. Sometimes it feels like you’re watching a recording of a stage production rather than a movie.
These verbal sparring matches are engaging, rather than boring, thanks to the overall great performances. But it’s John David Washington who shines the most as Boy Willie. This character is quite unlikeable, but also sympathetic. His desire to have his own land is understandable, but his willingness to ignore his surroundings to get what he wants makes him a more complex (and flawed) character. .
The rest of the cast does a job comparable to Washington’s. Deadwyler and Jackon are also great, and I’d like to give a special shout out to Ray Fisher as Lymon, Boy Willie’s right-hand man. You’ll soon fall in love with his soft-spoken way. Because The Piano Lesson has its roots in a stage setting, the film relies on the strength of its cast, and the actors more than fulfill their roles.
(Image credit: David Lee / Netflix)
The period setting is very well-recreated, and the film’s examination of how we honor and remember the past (is it something we should hold on to or transcend?) is reflected in the characters’ It adds a truly thoughtful element to the led drama. However, the ending will likely divide viewers’ opinions. Things took a supernatural turn and the finale left me with mixed emotions.
Critics have been similarly impressed with “The Piano Lesson.” As of this writing, the film has a score of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the website’s critic consensus stating, “A Southern Gothic ‘Piano Lesson’ played in a blistering key… The words of August Wilson are brought to life by an outstanding ensemble.” ”
Richard Roper of the Chicago Sun-Times said, “The actors do a memorable and powerful job, and Wilson’s words ring loud and true,” while Audie Henderson of the Boston Globe said that the film was “great for Wilson. It captures the spirit of epic prose and moves audiences.” Just as the author intended. ”
(Image credit: David Lee / Netflix)
Zandra Odetunde from Time Out was particularly impressed. “The Piano Lessons strike a perfect balance, showing that the past is filled with moments of joy, not just trauma. It is cathartic and moving, and strength and survival go hand in hand. ” writes Odetunde in a particularly positive review.
Slant Magazine’s Seth Katz was more mixed, saying, “It sometimes feels more like the result of a group of artists paying homage to a great playwright than a fully realized original work.” insisted.
Stream “Piano Lessons” now on Netflix
(Image credit: David Lee / Netflix)
Piano Lessons sometimes feels more like a stage play than a movie, but if you’re interested in powerful dialogue delivered by incredibly talented actors, this is a new Netflix movie you won’t want to miss.
Like His Three Daughters before it (another great Netflix release released last month), The Piano Lesson fails to earn the Netflix top 10 spot its high quality warrants. I think so. Don’t miss your chance. This is one of the streamer’s best originals this year.
If you need a movie to watch after “The Piano Lesson,” here’s a rundown of Netflix movies scheduled to be removed from the service this month. We’ve also prepared a guide to everything new on Netflix for November 2024.
Watch “Piano Lessons” now on Netflix
