A One Mann’s Movies review of “Causeway” (2022).
The last gap in my Oscars “Best Actor” category, “Causeway” (available on Apple+) provides the first ever nomination for Brian Tyree Henry (and very good he is too). But its one of those interesting films that only has the one nomination, whereas you feel that Jennifer Lawrence (in a crowded “Best Actress” category this year) might feel somewhat cheated.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Lynsey (Jennifer Lawrence) is an Afghanistan vet both physically and mentally damaged from her traumatic experiences in the war. Returning, reluctantly, to her home city of New Orleans, Lynsey forms a relationship with garage owner James (Brian Tyree Henry) who in his own way is equally damaged.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R. (From the BBFC: “Strong language”. Although I doubt the subject matter would appeal to a younger audience, this really feels like it could almost be a ’12’).
Talent:
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Brian Tyree Henry, Linda Emond, Jayne Houdyshell.
Directed by: Lila Neugebauer.
Written by: Ottessa Moshfegh, Luke Goebel & Elizabeth Sanders
Twitter Handle: #Causeway.
Get used to Jennifer Lawrence looking like this A LOT.. (Source: Apple+).
“Causeway” Review:
Positives:
- Top credit goes to the acting with this one, with both Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry both turning in solid and award-worthy performances. Henry got the nod (his first nomination) and it’s well deserved. But Lawrence is also right up there in my estimation: I think it’s her strongest dramatic performance since “Joy” in 2016.
- As a slow and thoughtful dramatic piese, the screenplay is very good in gradually building the relationship between Lynsey and James. And the description of James’s trauma is strong stuff and will probably show up in his award Oscar-reel!
- At just 96 minutes, and given it’s heavy and emotional subject matter, it doesn’t outstay its welcome.
Negatives:
- I really shouldn’t get irritated by such a small thing, but the film’s title – “Causeway” – relates to a single line in the film and is only obliquely related to James’s past. A better title would be something like “Damaged”.
- There’s a lot of talk and very little action, so this one won’t appeal to action lovers. And there are a lot of shots of Jennifer Lawrence looking very grumpy. We are more in “Manchester by the Sea” territory here.
Summary Thoughts on “Causeway”
Another well-directed and female-directed movie (and impressive in being Lila Neugebauer’s feature debut), this one feels like it’s an “always a bridesmaid, never the bride” film at the awards. But I found it an interesting, if slow, drama that pleased without totally exciting me.
It’s available to stream for free if you have Apple+.
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Trailer for “Causeway”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j307q8zMD3Y .
