‘The Piano Lesson’ Review: A Passionate Family Story That Strikes a Chord

The late August Wilson is best known for telling African American experiences through his stageplays. Two of his stories, Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, have carried on his legacy through film adaptations. The latest retelling, The Piano Lesson, comes from producer Denzel Washington‘s youngest son, Malcolm Washington. Along with co-writing the screenplay with Virgil Williams, this film marks Malcolm’s directorial debut.

The story is set in 1936 Pittsburgh and follows the Charles family as they argue over selling the family’s one-of-a-kind piano which means something different to each of them. The film stars John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, and Michael Potts, who reprise their roles from the 2022 stage production. Joining them in this film adaptation are Danielle Deadwyler, Corey Hawkins, and Skylar Aleece Smith.

The Piano Lesson is a touching film about family and the legacy they impart to the next generation. Interestingly enough, the production team for this film is made up of the Washington family in different roles — Denzel as a producer, his youngest son Malcolm as co-writer and director, his eldest son John David as the lead actor, and his eldest daughter Katia as an executive producer. Their collaboration and the performances from the rest of the cast add an emotional weight to The Piano Lesson that feels heartfelt and genuine.

‘The Piano Lesson’ Cast Are Playing to the Same Tune

With a cast as talented as this, it’s not surprising that their performances elevate the story. Jackson, J.D. Washington, Fisher, Potts, Deadwyler, and Hawkins embody their characters so well that audiences will look past the actors and feel like they’re watching conversations between a family. Jackson thankfully doesn’t overplay his role as too comedic or too aggressive; as the family patriarch, he does a good job of trying to keep the peace and imparting wisdom when necessary.

Before his breakout role as Victor Stone/Cyborg in the DCEU, Fisher was known for his theatre experience, especially for serious roles. In The Piano Lesson, Fisher gives a surprisingly comedic yet charming performance. His character provides the levity necessary to balance the film’s tone without feeling overdone. While his recent film projects have been action films, The Piano Lesson will show audiences and film executives how capable he is as a dramatic and comedic actor.

The biggest highlight of the film is Deadwyler’s powerful showcase. Despite not getting the acclaim she deserved for Till, her role in The Piano Lesson should more than guarantee her several acting nominations, if not some wins. She doesn’t hold back as she covers all emotions from anger to sorrow to joy. Additionally, her hair-raising performance in the third act alone should be enough to provide her work throughout the rest of her career.

Malcolm Washington’s Directorial Debut Is Powerful

The Piano Lesson is a bold look at how strong a family legacy can affect its descendants, for better or worse. Just like with Fisher and Deadwyler, The Piano Lesson will be a huge highlight for Malcolm Washington’s career moving forward. As a first-time director, Washington does an impressive job of blending the drama, comedy, and supernatural elements in The Piano Lesson without it feeling like a jarring shift from one to the other. The cast and crew are like individual piano keys; when they are played together in harmony, it creates a beautiful song that brings the film to life.

The Piano Lesson will be released in select theaters in the United States on November 8, before being available to stream on Netflix on November 22.

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