‘Causeway Review: Jennifer Lawrence And Brian Tyree Henry Elevate Gentle Drama About Trauma And Connection
While Causeway is positioned as an intimate story of the ordeal of a wounded US Army engineer returning home from Afghanistan, played by Jennifer Lawrence, this low-key drama only really blossoms when it turns into a balanced two-dimensional drama about the wounded. Look for each other. Consolation. . Brian Tyree Henry's soulful work brings out Lawrence's understated stoicism and rich contrasts. Debutant director Lila Neugebauer surrounds herself with top-picked recruits from her New York stage background to bring this melancholic reflection on trauma and faith to life against the backdrop of sleepy New Orleans.
Over the past decade, Negebauer has made a name for herself through nonfiction theater work, most notably Sarah DeLapp's stunning production of The Wolves, about a high school football team; Diptych by Edward Albee "House in the Wild"; and Tracy Letts' Mary Page Marlowe fragmentary character study. In the year She made her Broadway debut in Kenneth Lonergan's Waverly Gallery revival in 2018 with an all-star cast that included Elaine May, Lucas Hedges, Joan Allen and Michael Cera.
DamBottom line small but satisfying.
Venue: Toronto Film Festival (Special Presentation) Release Date: Friday, November 4 Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Brian Tyree Henry, Linda Emmond, Jane Hudshell, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Russell Harvard, Fred Weller Director: Lila Neugebauer Writers: Luxfe Oates, Goebel , Elizabeth Sanders Rated R, 1 hour 34 minutesThe sensitivity, subtle tonal adjustments, and skilled ensemble work that distinguish these stage productions are evident in A24 Road, an original script from award-winning writer Otessa Moshfegh with newcomers Luke Goble and Elizabeth Sanders. It's a little film that many might call unappetizing, favoring subtle observation over big emotional payoff. But it's the human qualities that should draw the attention of Apple TV+ viewers.
Lawrence plays Lindsay, an Army engineer who is forced to undergo a grueling physical and mental rehabilitation program after her car is hit by an IED in Afghanistan. A sympathetic veteran cares for Sharon (Jane Hudischel), who warns her not to rush her recovery, telling her that changing jobs is a bad idea. But Lindsey is stubborn; She left earlier than advised and took a bus to New Orleans, determined not to stay there long.
Returning to a messy home with no food, Lindsay discovers that her single mother, Gloria (Linda Emond), is a mess the day she returns, which speaks to her general insecurities. The pieces of an unhappy upbringing slowly come together, including watching her brother Justin (Russell Harvard, the only good scene in the finale) ruin her life with drugs. All of which explains why she's eager to get back to her active duties, despite warnings from her neurologist (Stephen McKinley Henderson) that the drug puts her at high risk for seizures and severe depression.
The film's quieter scenes could have been more interesting, but they paint a pleasant impression of the New Orleans village where Lindsey grew up, as opposed to the affluent parts of the city where she cleans pools in her spare time. Work.
Unlike Lindsay, who stays away from her home and family as much as possible, she stays at home with James (Henry), a sweet auto mechanic who is fixing her brother's broken-down car. A house with unpleasant company. The evolution of their relationship is told with delightful restraint by Lawrence and Henry as Lindsey slowly recounts her experiences in Afghanistan and details the accident in which James lost his leg.
Lindsey's work at the pool brings peace and the owners often leave town with James to relax and escape the heat. The false version of a potential romance is offset by the revelation of Lindsey's sexuality, not as a new definition of who she is, but simply as an aspect of her silent nature. She shows signs of softening towards her volatile but caring mother in a cute scene where they chill together in a free-flowing swimming pool in the backyard.
There are no big revelations and no big dramatic fireworks moments in the script. But there's an undercurrent of warmth and trust in Lindsey's friendship with James, as they first bond over their shared love of old Ernie K-Dow hits and then respond to each other's needs, despite some setbacks and disagreements. Emotional changes are highlighted by the soft electronic music of former Sigur Rós collaborator Alex Sommers.
Causeway is Lawrence's first new project since announcing she's taking a year off, and it's great to see her return to her indie roots, especially when Henry's presence encourages her to step up her game. He dives into something we haven't seen from him since his unforgettable single on Beale Street. The chemistry between these two amazing actors, each with a completely different style, enriches this humble drama about broken people that pulls you in and puts you on your guard in search of solace.
Full creditsVenue: Toronto Film Festival (Exclusive) Distribution: A24/Apple TV+ Production Companies: A24, Excellent Cadaver, IAC Films Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Brian Tyree Henry, Linda Emond, Jane Hudshell, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Russell Wellervard, Se Carvajal, Will Pullen, Neil HuffDirector: Leela Neugebauer Writers: Ottessa Moschfegh, Luke Goebel, Elizabeth Sanders Producers: Jennifer Lawrence, Justin Charrocci Executive Producers: Leela Neugebauer, Jacob Jaffke, Sophia. Written by Diego Garcia Production Designer: Jack Fisk Costume Design: Heidi Bivens Music: Alex Somers Editing: Robert Frazen, Lucian Johnston Cast: Ellen Chenoweth Rated R: 1 hour 34 minutes
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