by Jack Grimme, Contributing Writer
Causeway is Apple’s newest original film that was, in part, produced by the illustrious A24. Both of these studios have obviously seen some recent success in the entertainment world. This year alone, Apple has produced and/or distributed several films, including Cha Cha Real Smooth, a personal favorite as the year comes to a close. Not to mention the fact that they are coming off their Best Picture win with the critically adored CODA. And while A24 needs no introduction, the fact that Everything Everywhere All at Once, Men, and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On all occupy my top five at the moment is a testament to their efforts this year. So despite the limited press and advertisements around this release, I was stoked to check Causeway out. The fact that the film starred Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry only made me want to see it more.
The aforementioned Lawrence leads the film as Lynsey, a soldier trying to adapt to life back home after being discharged due to a traumatic brain injury. And that is exactly what this film is about: trauma, whether it be a result of family strain, a deadly car accident, or an IED. This film comes with an inherent trigger warning just by the nature of the subject matter. It isn’t remotely graphic, and even the descriptions of the event are restrained and distant. However, I can see it being a little challenging if the material hits you on the wrong day. With that being said, I think one of the strongest aspects of the film is the comfort you can find while spending time with these protagonists. There is something immensely therapeutic about watching good people work through their trauma and persevere in spite of their flaws. The film is far from saccharine. People make mistakes and it can be uncomfortable. But the moments of progress and glimmers of hope throughout are so rewarding and believable. And that fact can largely be attributed to Lawrence and Henry.
The two leads are the heart and soul of this film. Lawrence is stubborn in the most relatable way possible. She is assured and determined in her convictions, but she seems to consistently fail to grapple with the origin of her motivations. Her journey is profound yet understated, which makes the story feel that much more human. But we all know what Lawrence is capable of when she sets her mind to it. Her talent shines through even in her worst films. I think it is time the world starts giving Brian Tyree Henry the credit he deserves. Don’t get me wrong. I understand that he has been showing up in all kinds of big films including Eternals, wwGodzilla vs. Kong, and even a cameo in Joker. He has even had plenty of times to show his exceptional talent in projects like If Beale Street Could Talk and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.However, I genuinely think he deserves to be one of Hollywood’s most in-demand leading men. His performance in Causeway is so nuanced and reserved. He perfectly hides layers of pain behind a casual, confident persona. He just makes James feel real. This is the type of movie that lives and dies by the success and intentions of the leading performers. They couldn’t have picked a better pair.
There are a handful of issues holding this back from being a truly transcendent character study. Firstly, I think the pacing is a tad bit off. The film feels a little back heavy. The beginning does a solid job of building context that adds weight to the climax, but in the moment, it feels a little slow. The brisk runtime stops that from being particularly problematic, but I wish there was a tad bit more to engage me in the beginning. With that being said, there are still moments that could use a bit more time. I think the film is intentionally vague and brief. But I grew attached to several of these characters and would’ve loved to learn more about them. I don’t want to say too much, as to avoid potential spoilers, but members of Lawrence’s family are great and deserved a bit more screen time in my opinion.
Altogether, Causeway is definitely worth a watch. It is another clear win for all the contributors I touched on earlier, and an impressive first feature-length outing for director Lila Neugebauer and writer Ottessa Moshfegh. It is always a good sign when a creators are able to weave such thoughtful, significant themes into their debut.
Score: 8/10
Causeway is currently streaming on Apple TV+
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