‘Causeway’ Benefits From Jennifer Lawrence in Oscar-Worthy Form

Because actors automatically compete for recognition for their work, obstacles in movies are often accompanied by the promise of an Oscar. Rarely does the performance return to its bones to reveal that the person beneath it is quietly coping with their struggles, rather than being an inorganic movie soapbox.Thankfully, Lila Neugebauer’s Causeway It did just that, helped in no small part by Jennifer Lawrence’s solid form.

Photographed in close-up as the car sits out of focus, Neugebauer quietly introduces Lindsay (Jennifer Lawrence) to the audience. Detached, disoriented, and withdrawn—it’s an understated moment among many in her opening ten minutes that sets the tone and the director’s intentions. There are no movie star signs here, as Lawrence exhibits post-traumatic symptoms along with her exercise restrictions.

Trapped in a half-baked home to recuperate military veterans, her full-time caregiver Sharon (Jane Hoodichel) shows patience and kindness as Lindsay makes slow progress. .A montage of physical therapy sessions, a dignifying bathroom trip, and a tutorial on basic bathroom skills follow, revealing the actor’s indifference to appearances. winter bones It’s the realm of actors who have successfully conquered mainstream action films and arthouse indie productions.

Here, characters are demanded of a certain amount of honesty on screen, but few leading ladies are ready to deliver this. No scenery-nibbing monologues, no flashy emotional arcs. There are even fewer examples of Apple funding. Causeway It’s a movie with powerful words about connecting people.

After returning home from a tour of Afghanistan with a severe brain injury, Lindsay needs time to readjust. With her four medications designed to keep her post-traumatic tendencies at bay, her only human contact is with Dr. Brian (her Tyree Henry) is the only one. Her mother Gloria (Linda Emond) occasionally plays a small role in the conversation, but she basically has limited time on screen.

What began as a business arrangement following some car troubles quickly devolved into an interim friendship between Lindsey and James. living alone after a hard breakup while coming to him with his emotional baggage. Together, they find common ground, develop a connection, and eventually begin to trust each other.

heart and soul are here Causeway Live because Lindsey and James share memories to ease their loneliness. Away from her prying eyes, she is given privacy as a pool cleaner, sifting leaves and cleaning filters to make money. It’s in the backyard chatter while the residents are out of town that their relationship comes to a head.

It’s one of the few moments in the film where the voice changes dynamically in an instant. Words are exchanged, emotions are voiced, and the moment the two cross the line, the equilibrium is broken. In a film defined largely by silence, it allows both actors an outlet for pent-up emotions that not only confirms their odd couple chemistry, but reveals how much they need each other. increase.

The journey these people take to experience that epiphany is eloquent, but the execution is reassuringly simple. Causeway is refreshingly free from pretense and overly complicated character arcs. That means core performance is stronger. Brian Tyree Henry matches every moment of the scene with Jennifer Lawrence, imbuing James with a remorse-tinged understated kindness.

A gesture of kindness made him look back on his life, forever contemplating his hasty choices and burdening himself with repentance in his spare time. Lindsey, on the other hand, seeks salvation in constant isolation from others and holds herself accountable for her life choices. Her military administration gave her her purpose and direction. This is why, in her opinion, this small town needs her to escape.

Beyond the phenomenal centerpiece performances of Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry, there’s also a minor problem with Stephen McKinley Henderson. A veteran stage actor, a respected ensemble his player, a scene-stealing stage actor offers as much for as little as his Lucas the Doctor. Not only does he add solemnity to his portrayal as Lindsay’s personal physician, but he also reminds the audience that great actors are born, not made.

That’s a fact any awards committee should be aware of when it comes to 2023, when Oscar nominations will first be discussed and Jennifer Lawrence will be mentioned. Causeway Current campaign slogan.