This film is adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a family’s conflict when the brother (John David Washington) wants to sell the family’s heirloom piano. Meanwhile, his sister (Danielle Deadwyler) wants to hold onto it, since it’s the sole vestige of the family’s heritage. Director Malcolm Washington (brother of John David and son of Denzel, who produced) has captured the rhythm and flow of Wilson’s dialogue. John David creates a dynamic, forceful character that grounds the film, and the rest of the cast is equally outstanding (Ray Fisher is a stand out). The mostly singular location and torrent of talk sometimes echoes the stage origins. Unless you’re familiar with Wilson’s oeuvre, it may be bit more challenging to accept the drama as realism and it’s not (there’s even a song break). This has a theatrical base that allows for a powerful ensemble and a historic heritage. 
(3 / 5)
