One of the Best Movies of the Year Is Now Streaming on Netflix (2024)

One of the best movies of 2024 is now available to stream on Netflix. Met with widespread critical acclaim upon release, The Piano Lesson is now a hot Oscars contender, and marks the directorial debut of Malcolm Washington, the son of Hollywood icon and Gladiator 2 star Denzel Washington. The drama follows a family in 1936 Pittsburgh, amid the aftermath of the Great Depression, as they grapple with their family legacy while deciding what to do with the titular musical heirloom.

Directed by Malcolm Washington, who co-wrote the screenplay with Virgil Williams, The Piano Lesson is an adaptation of the play by August Wilson. The movie is something of a Washington family get-together, with Tenet star John David Washington starring, Denzel Washington producing, and Katia Washington on board as an executive producer. The rest of the stellar cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Danielle Deadwyler, and Corey Hawkins. You can check out the synopsis for The Piano Lesson below.

“Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor.”

‘The Piano Lesson’ Is Certified Fresh With 90% on Rotten Tomatoes

To help prove that The Piano Lesson is indeed one of the best movies of the year, the drama has achieved a “certified fresh” rating of 90% on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus reads, “A Southern Gothic played at a ferocious key, The Piano Lesson brings August Wilson's words to vivid life with an outstanding ensemble.” So, whatever you had planned today, drop it, fire up Netflix, and bask in some cinematic brilliance.

MovieWeb’s own Jericho Tadeo has heaped praise on The Piano Lesson, which made its debut at the 51st Telluride Film Festival back in August. Applauding the performances, including John David Washington whose “charisma is infectious,” ultimately it is Danielle Deadwyler who “steals the film. It's easy to love her the instant she enters the scene.”

“It's no easy feat adapting a story meant for the stage to the screen, let alone one written by a great American playwright. Indeed, Wilson's work and legacy are singular, chronicling the light, the dark, and the shades in between of the Black American experience of the 20th Century with equal parts humor, heart, grief, and tragedy. These are the same ingredients that make The Piano Lesson a particularly special achievement from first-time feature director Malcolm Washington: Malcolm rises to the challenge of capturing the soul of Wilson's original work, and, in doing so, delivers an exceptional film for new audiences who might be encountering the playwright's words for the very first time.”

Denzel Washington has recently hinted at retirement following his involvement in several major projects, including two more Equalizer sequels and a role in the MCU. While he has since clarified his initial comments, he does hope to pass the cinematic baton to the next generation, including his sons John David and Malcolm Washington. Based on The Piano Lesson, the Washington legacy is clearly in good hands.

The Piano Lesson

PG-13

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.

Release Date

November 8, 2024

Director

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

Runtime

125 Minutes

Main Genre

Drama