Causeway

New to Apple TV+.

Lila Neugebauer directs Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry in her feature debut. Lawrence is Lynsey a US soldier who is home and rehabilitating after been injured in Afghanistan. After getting herself a job as a pool cleaner, a car problem leads her to a garage run by James (Henry), it is here she strikes up a friendship with the owner who is dealing with his own dark trauma. The film follows their struggle to come to terms with their past, present, future and each other.

I enjoy a character piece, a patient exploration of people and their relationships. This is what Neugebauer brings to the screen in what is fine two hander, led by two strong performers. It’s not the best example of this kind of story, but it is a solid effort.

The film is patient, touching and difficult at times as it explores the challenges that both leads face as they deal with their past trauma and difficulty facing up to their future options.

What makes it work ultimately is its two leads. Jennifer Lawrence is one of the finest actors of her generation and sometimes that’s easy to forget, with her investing her time in more indie feeling work such as this. But her quality shines through here. It’s a measured and layered performance which draws you into Lynsey’s world completely. Brian Tyree Henry is equally compelling as the laid back, relaxed and supportive James, who is also dealing with his own painful memories. It is the relationship between them which keeps this compelling and watchable.

It also looks great with a neat indie feel and an enjoyable score. But it’s not perfect and sometimes confuses slow pacing with patience. But they are small gripes in what is a decent, compelling watch which takes a thoughtful look at trauma and it’s impact on the past and future.

As a feature debut Lila Neugebauer delivers a decent movie with two excellent leads. Lawrence and Henry give beautifully nuanced performances that are always compelling. It won’t be a classic, but is engaging and thoughtful and worth checking out.