The power of cherished objects imbued with human history is central to The Piano Lesson. A family heirloom piano unites and divides a Black family across generations in this film adaptation of August Wilson’s play. Directed by Malcolm Washington and starring John David Washington, alongside Samuel L. Jackson, the film is powerfully anchored by Danielle Deadwyler’s performance. Deadwyler’s portrayal is a potent blend of strength and vulnerability. While the film’s pacing occasionally stumbles, the story’s inherent power consistently shines through, largely due to Deadwyler’s electrifying presence, both on and off-screen.
Set in 1936, this intricate tale of intergenerational trauma follows Boy Willie Charles (John David Washington), aiming to buy land previously owned by the Sutter family. Lacking sufficient funds, he seeks to sell a treasured family piano belonging to his sister, Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler), guarded fiercely in their Pittsburgh home. Their conflict over the piano ignites the drama of The Piano Lesson.
The piano, intricately carved with images of ancestors and family history, holds profound significance. Stolen by Boy Willie and Berniece’s father in 1911, resulting in his death, the piano fuels Willie’s desire to sell it, even if it means bullying Berniece. Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson), their uncle, acts as a mediator, knowing Berniece’s unwavering attachment to the instrument, despite her years of not playing it.
Surrounding Berniece and Boy Willie are other key characters: Berniece’s daughter, Maretha (Skylar Aleece Smith), whose husband’s death she blames on Boy Willie; Lymon (Ray Fisher), Boy Willie’s gentle friend, who brings a sense of kindness; and an unseen family ghost whose presence impacts the family’s peace.
The Piano Lesson features multiple interwoven narratives, which can be challenging to follow at times. However, focusing on Deadwyler’s performance provides a compelling anchor. In the climax, her powerful interaction with the piano reveals both the inherited suffering and resilience of her ancestors. The film concludes not with a didactic lesson, but a poignant invitation to embrace life.
