'The Piano Lesson' TIFF review: Malcom Washington's family-driven adaptation falls short of its stage roots

Courtesy of Netflix/TIFF

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The latest adaptation of an August Wilson play, "The Piano Lesson," continues the impressive line of Denzel Washington’s cinematic ventures into Wilson's works. Following "Fences" and "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom," Washington now serves as a producer on this film, which is directed by his son, Malcolm Washington. With Malcolm making his directorial debut, the film is a family affair, featuring John David Washington in the lead role, Katia Washington as executive producer, and a heartfelt dedication to their mother at its conclusion.

Malcolm Washington’s direction shows promise, with a keen eye for striking close-ups, a memorable musical number, and a gripping opening sequence that sets the tone for a film that aims to transcend the typical stage-to-screen adaptation. The movie begins in 1911 Mississippi with a dramatic heist involving a stolen piano, which sets up the central conflict. Fast forward 25 years to Pittsburgh, where Boy Willie (John David Washington) and his friend Lymon (Ray Fisher) arrive with plans to sell a truckload of watermelons and, more importantly, the piano that’s been gathering dust in his sister, Bernice's (Danielle Deadwyler) living room.

The piano symbolizes the family's deep history, and Bernice’s refusal to sell it contrasts sharply with Willie’s dreams of using it to secure a better future. This familial clash explores themes of heritage, trauma, and the pursuit of the American Dream through racial and historical lenses.

Malcolm Washington, along with co-adapter Virgil Williams, brings the Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the screen, but the film’s focus on a single location and stage-like performances can sometimes feel constrained. While Samuel L. Jackson excels as the passive yet wise Doaker, John David Washington’s portrayal of Willie occasionally feels more suited to the stage, lacking the subtlety required for film. In contrast, Danielle Deadwyler delivers a standout performance that may generate awards buzz, and Ray Fisher provides solid support as Lymon.

"The Piano Lesson" grapples with adapting its stage origins to the cinematic format. Unlike Aaron Sorkin’s recent adaptation of "To Kill a Mockingbird," which successfully modernized its source material, this film remains closely tied to its theatrical roots. Despite moments of grace and impact, the adaptation might have benefitted from a more reimagined approach for the screen. As it stands, it’s a competent film that will likely find its audience on Netflix, but may not leave a lasting cultural imprint.

Grade: C+

THE PIANO LESSON premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released in select theaters in November before streaming on Netflix starting November 22nd.