3 out of 5 stars
Jennifer Lawrence has had a career that most actors only dream of experiencing. As a leading figure in two franchises, working with some of Hollywood’s best directors and then adding an Academy Award would make her the envy of all within the industry. Yet, over the past few years, she seems to be searching for her form and it has found itself in the streaming realm. She moves from the world-ending catastrophe of Don’t Look Up to the quietly subtle streets of New Orleans in Lila Neugebauer’s psychological drama, Causeway.
By tapping into the laid-back nuances of Louisiana, this film relies on the audience’s patience to wait for the slow introduction of layers that explain the trauma of Lynsey (Lawrence). This U.S. soldier is shown going through the process of recovery from a brain injury she experienced while serving in Afghanistan. Part of the rehabilitation means she has to go back to live with her mother in the Big Easy. As she tries to regain her mental and physical abilities, the civil engineer must confront the past she hoped to escape. When she befriends mechanic James (Brian Tyree Henry) after her truck breaks down, Lynsey feels like she can survive in New Orleans.
Those who have been to the Birthplace of Jazz, would know that nothing moves too fast since humidity alone could stop a truck. Neugebauer embraces the feel of the city with the methodical and potentially laborious nature of the storytelling. Despite the depth of the lead character’s history, this screenplay forces the viewer to trust that all the layers will be revealed. Every scene gives off the feeling that something is more behind the conversation or situation being experienced. This technique will either cause the audience to slow down and hope that all is revealed, or it may lead to an uneasy frustration to take away from the whole film.
Jennifer Lawrence puts in one of her best works in years and taps into her award-winning form. Despite her role's unappealing tone there is a reward for those willing to hang on to discover the reasons behind her dark past. Brian Tyree Henry adds a complementary, albeit melancholic, performance as the unassuming love interest and friend. They play off each other’s backgrounds, and these broken people show that they need one another to complete themselves. Causeway does not wrap things up neatly, which will frustrate many who engage with this story. Still, it does show how everyone needs one another to survive in this life.
The word becomes film
Russ Matthews' new book is a modern-day parable that introduces a radically easy way of talking about God’s story
If you order the book today you will also receive a complementary study guide that is only available with the purchase of the book (Print or ebook)
Reel Dialogue: We need one another
‘And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.’ Hebrews 10:24-25
The screenplay shows that despite the imperfect aspects of family and friends, each is essential for fulfilling a rich existence on this earth. It is easy to say that this has been said and done on screen, but it is a message that needs to be reiterated in our modern, fast-paced society. Especially for those who claim to live out a Christian faith, all play a part in caring for others. We must encourage one another and be there for family and friends despite how they may respond to this example of love, grace, and mercy.
Director Lila Neugebauer has taken a familiar message and capitalised on people's universal need for others. Set up like a two-person stage performance in the heavy air of New Orleans, this film peels away the character's facade and exposes everyone's need to reconnect with friends and family.
