Denzel Washington’s Kids All Worked on This New Netflix Film Dropping Today!

In a quiet launch today, Netflix streams “The Piano Lesson,” a film adaptation of the play written by August Wilson. Though Wilson may not be widely recognized in France, across the Atlantic, this African-American playwright is celebrated for his profound narratives about the African-American experience in the United States.

Wilson’s critically acclaimed play, which won a Pulitzer Prize, explores the enduring impacts of slavery on subsequent generations. The film is set in 1936, in Pittsburgh, following the Great Depression. It centers on the Charles family who all live together in Doaker Charles’ home, which houses a piano. This piano, passed down through generations, bears carvings that tell the family’s history, markings left by an enslaved ancestor.

The Washington Family Takes the Helm

Denzel Washington is no stranger to August Wilson’s work. In 2016, he had already brought one of Wilson’s plays to the screen—Fences—starring alongside Viola Davis. Her outstanding performance in this film won her a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress the following year. In 2020, they collaborated again on another Netflix adaptation, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” where Davis was the lead actress and Washington the producer.

Continuing with his journey through Wilson’s works, Washington tackles “The Piano Lesson” next. He brings on board actors from the Broadway production of the play, including Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher (of Justice League fame), and his eldest son, John David Washington, who over the years has stepped out of his father’s shadow to work with top directors like Christopher Nolan and Spike Lee.

For “The Piano Lesson,” which focuses on a family narrative, the production is kept within a close-knit circle. His daughters Olivia and Katia Washington join him in production while the direction is entrusted to Malcolm Washington, another of his sons.

This marks a significant step for Malcolm, who makes his directorial debut with this film (dedicated to his mother). Alongside his brother and Samuel L. Jackson, he directs actors Corey Hawkins (from “In the Heights”) and Danielle Deadwyler (known for “Till”).

Oscar Bound?

Assessing “The Piano Lesson” can be challenging for those unaccustomed to this style of cinema. Malcolm Washington directs this family drama as if it were a stage play, focusing on the actors and centering the action in the main room: the living room that houses the contentious piano.

The film is talkative, some scenes might lack brightness making them hard to follow, and attention might wane at times despite a well-received fantastical twist. However, the acting alone is worth watching, especially Danielle Deadwyler, who is likely to be nominated at upcoming major award ceremonies. The film’s sole musical sequence, performed by John David Washington, Ray Fisher, and Samuel L. Jackson, was particularly memorable.

Whether “The Piano Lesson” will resonate with audiences in France remains uncertain, but it’s poised to be a strong contender at the next Oscars.