Netflix's 'The Piano Lesson' Faces Criticism for Horror Elements in August Wilson Adaptation

The Washington family collaborates on a visually striking but divisive adaptation of the Pulitzer-winning play, blending family drama with unexpected supernatural themes.

Directed by Malcolm Washington and starring John David Washington, Netflix's 'The Piano Lesson' is the third August Wilson play adapted by Denzel Washington's production company.
The film's plot centers on a family conflict over a piano etched with their enslaved ancestors' carvings, exploring themes of legacy, trauma, and identity.
Critics praised the strong performances of the cast, including Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, and John David Washington, but criticized the adaptation's heavy-handed horror elements.
Flashbacks and supernatural sequences, including exorcism-like scenes, were deemed by some reviewers as detracting from the play's nuanced themes and historical depth.
Malcolm Washington dedicated his directorial debut to his mother, Pauletta Washington, emphasizing the film's focus on family connections and generational storytelling.