The Piano Lesson

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The Piano Lesson

PG-13

Released Nov 8, 2024

2h 5m

Drama

Music

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Popcornmeter

88%

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132 Reviews

65%

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250+ Ratings

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor.

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Critics Consensus

A Southern Gothic played at a ferocious key, The Piano Lesson brings August Wilson's words to vivid life with an outstanding ensemble.

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Leila Latif

Little White Lies

It lands as more of a showcase of assembling the many talents on board rather than an adaptation shining a new light on an already treasured work.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 20, 2025

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Sheri Flanders

Chicago Reader

An exquisite film rendition of an American stage classic, The Piano Lesson promises to strike a powerful chord within the soul.

Dec 11, 2024

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Hannah Giorgis

The Atlantic

Netflix’s adaptation faithfully renders this concern for the quotidian, albeit with a more stylish patina. Malcolm’s directorial choices diverge from his father’s old-school creative sensibilities; the pacing is faster, the music more dramatic.

Dec 10, 2024

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Marissa Hill

Shade Studios

The ghostly elements of the story—the eerie presence surrounding the piano—add a supernatural touch to the narrative. However, I felt that these haunting moments, which could have added an extra layer of tension, were not introduced soon enough.

Jul 30, 2025

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Tim Miller

Cape Cod Wave Magazine

Director Malcolm Washington delivers a fiery adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, set mostly in 1936 Pittsburgh, about a Black family haunted by its family history as slaves in the Deep South.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 22, 2025

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James Berardinelli

ReelViews

With impeccable period details, top-notch performances, and the text of one of the 20th century’s most lauded plays, The Piano Lesson represents one of Netflix’s stronger unsung late-2024 drops.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 11, 2025

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ADG

Terrible and disjointed and longer than it needed to be. The story obviously has value yet was not adapted well for film

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

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Demetria

A masterpiece from start to finish—beautifully cast, beautifully acted, and beautifully directed. Every performance is captivating, and the direction brings August Wilson's powerful story to life with nuance and depth. I'm so glad I caught it in the theater and can’t wait to experience it all over again when it hits Netflix. A must-watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

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Yasmin

Deep, moving, entertaining, feel good movie. The cast is extremely talented and captivating in this story. My family and I had a few laughs too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/11/24

Full Review

bobsaxa L

A++++!! The Washington kids are all super talented. John David is a bonafide star Danielle Deadwyler is too!! Both will be household names. Excellent directing and cinematography. Strong cast, timely timely story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

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Abby P

A powerful story told beautifully. The playwright was done justice by the actors and director alike. The climactic finale took my breath away.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

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merrie t

Based on the play by August Wilson, The Piano Lesson is a big swing that mostly connects. The acting is standout especially Danielle Deadwyler. The direction and cinematography also is first rate.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

Full Review

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Synopsis

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor.

Director: Malcolm Washington
Producer: Todd Black, Denzel Washington
Screenwriter: Malcolm Washington, Virgil Williams
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Lord Miller, Netflix Studios
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 8, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 22, 2024
Runtime: 2h 5m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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