The Piano Lesson

"A haunting film adaptation."

"Deadwyler is the heart and soul of a film whose every inch is deeply felt."

"There’s an extravagance to the style, a first-time film-maker flex, but it works spectacularly."

"Referential, often overly so."

"Clever writing, stunning performances and flawless cinematography."

"Deadwyler submits herself completely to the will of her character... The results are often electric."

"A mixed bag."

"In Deadwyler, we get a leading lady who smoulders even when silent, finding layers even the author couldn’t have anticipated."

"Samuel L Jackson is quietly magnificent in this fitful August Wilson drama."

"The film, at times, strains for visual dynamism at the expense of the play’s natural rhythms."

"A worthwhile, captivating and moving watch full of charismatic performers."

"(A) scintillating adaptation."

"Captures the spirit of Wilson’s magnificent prose."

"The project increasingly looks as if it is pickling the plays in aspic rather than finding them appropriate cinematic translations."

"I don't feel like it ever truly expands upon the fact that this is a play on film."