Netflix’s new spirited drama film The Piano Lesson is 2024’s most surprising ghost story. Directed by Malcolm Washington, The Piano Lesson is a film adaptation of the play of the same name written by August Wilson, who also wrote the original play that inspired the Academy Award-winning film Fences. The Piano Lesson’s ensemble cast is led by John David Washington (Tenet, The Creator), Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, The Hateful Eight), Danielle Deadwyler (The Harder They Fall, Station Eleven), and Ray Fisher (True Detective, Justice League).
While the film and play are both deeply rooted in American history, The Piano Lesson is not based on a true story or true people. The Piano Lesson has opened up to strong reviews, earning an impressive Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 90%. The Piano Lesson marks the feature film directorial debut of Malcolm Washington, the youngest son of Denzel Washington who directs his older brother John David Washington in the film. Denzel Washington, who has generated his own Oscar buzz for his role in Gladiator II, was one of the producers of The Piano Lesson but does not have a role in the film.
The Piano Lesson
is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
The Piano Lesson Is A Historical Drama With A Surprising & Eerie Horror Element
The film appears to be a traditional historical drama but is an unexpected ghost story
In The Piano Lesson, Washington’s Boy Willie and Deadwyler’s Berniece are forced to confront the ghosts of their family’s past in the form of a slave owner named Sutter. They are two characters who see the ghost of Sutter who used to own the piano that became their family heirloom and has come back from the dead to seek revenge. The piano holds great significance to Willie and Berniece’s family and acts as a spiritual vehicle for them to harness the strength of their ancestral line.
As a result, the film unexpectedly incorporates supernatural elements of what would appear to be a traditional historical drama. Some scenes could even rival some modern horror movies, as the film portrays the very serious threat of ghostly encounters which at times can deliver chilling and frightening effects. While The Piano Lesson cannot exactly be called a horror film, some scenes feel like they are pulled straight out of ghost narratives of the genre and elevate the film as one of the best of the year.
The Piano Lesson Is An Early Contender In Several Oscars 2025 Categories
Best Supporting Actress for Danielle Deadwyler, Best Adapted Screenplay, & Best Original Score
Denzel Washington may not be in the running for two 2025 Oscars as The Piano Lesson is currently projected to fall short of a Best Picture nomination. The film, however, is currently in the running for a few major Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Danielle Deadwyler, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. It’s unlikely that either of the Washington brothers will be nominated for acting or directing categories. Due to its innovative blend of genres, powerful performances, and engaging story, The Piano Lesson certainly deserves to be acknowledged at the upcoming Oscars.
In The Piano Lesson, a brother and sister clash over selling a family heirloom piano—he sees it as a path to wealth, while she views it as a vital link to their heritage. Their uncle tries to mediate, but the conflict reveals deep truths about identity, legacy, and the past.
- Director
- Malcolm Washington
- Release Date
- November 8, 2024
- Writers
- Virgil Williams , Malcolm Washington
- Cast
- Samuel L. Jackson , John David Washington , Danielle Deadwyler , Ray Fisher , Corey Hawkins , Michael Potts , Skylar Smith , Stephan James , Erykah Badu , Malik J Ali , Charity Jordan , Isaiah Gunn , Matrell Smith , Jerrika Hinton , Gail Bean , Hanniel Joseph , Pauletta Washington , Olivia Washington , Kylee D. Allen , Deetta West , Jay Peterson , David Atkinson , Tony Fox , Melanie Jeffcoat , Owen Harn , Charles Green
- Character(s)
- Doaker , Boy Willie , Berniece , Lymon , Avery , Wining Boy , Maretha , Boy Charles , Lucille , Willie Boy , Mama Berniece , Young Boy Willie , Crawley , Grace , Dolly , Papa Boy Walter , Mama Ola , Young Mama Ola , Young Berniece , Mama Esther , James Sutter , Robert Sutter , Young Wining Boy , Miss Ophelia , Joel Nolander , White Man
- Runtime
- 125 Minutes
