The Piano Lesson – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Piano Lesson – Playing the Tune of Family’s Melody

From the dramatic to the surreal, the feelings we get when we fall into a tale are endless.  The grip of a story becomes a line into meaning, a showcase of what can come to life on the big screen.  In seeing what can unfold, it is all about how to connect … especially in a character-based tale.  When you find that connection, then the journey is worth it.  In this review, I look at the latest Netflix Drama.  Set within an American period of change, we head into a journey of characterized appeal within the familial touch.  For all the obscure turns of an endearing circumstance, The Piano Lesson is a cerebral look at the meaning of family. 

Set in the 1930s, we follow the Charles family as they try to decide what to do with their precious piano heirloom.  At the heart of any tale (as mentioned many times) are its characters.  In this film, it becomes a mixture of characterized moments, thematic appeal (family/legacy) and unpredictable tonal shifts in genre.  In the beginning, we get a general (but ominous) outlook about the Charles family, how they lived and how they got hold of the piano heirloom.  Once this foundation is set, we move into the present where we are introduced to Boy Willie (John David Washington) and his friend Lymon (Ray Fisher).  They are farmers, looking to make it big by selling watermelons in Pittsburgh.  While they are in town, Willie decides to ‘unexpectedly’ visit his Uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson) and sister Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler).  His visit is marked with suspicion, laying the groundwork for a foreshadowing conflict.  After a series of conversational moments, we head into the main plot: Willie and Berniece’s personal struggle in what to do with the precious family Piano.  With this central point, we maneuver through a ‘stage play’ like directive.  With interactions built through conversation, we witness individual scenarios that highlight personal choices, familial vibes and the ominous backstory about the piano’s creation.  For all the simple foundation building, the alluring factor that grips you is the intrigue about the piano.  Being a Charles family heirloom, the historical marker levels with the stories overarching themes, but also provides penance to certain emotional value for Willie and Berniece.  Within a subtle touch, we see that the materialization of choice becomes important, leading to a quagmire of perspectives: individual progress or family remembrance. 

As the struggle of what to do with the piano looms, the directive begins to shift within the bending of genres (mystery/suspense/horror).  This leaping of tone feels a bit disjointed, creating a place where the character’s journey becomes slightly untethered (plot holes).  As everything finally comes to ahead, this leads to a third act of an emotional tale spin.  As all the thematic reverie comes to the forefront, the revelations of what ‘needs’ to be done builds through the dramatics … leading to a full circle climax and an ambiguous like epilogue.  The Piano Lesson is a drama of mixed appeal.  If you are a fan of stage play like films, the actors involved or thematic tales, this is one for you.  It is available on Netflix, but it would have been cool to see on the big screen.

Full Score – 3 out of 5 (Theater Discount)