Review of Fences (2016) by Stuart R — 10 Feb 2017

There is no denying the fact that the film adaptation of Fences often feels like filmed theatre. The film rarely leaves the house or the backyard for the extent of its two hours and one quarter running time.

However, for those who can get on its wavelength, they will find a rewarding and emotionally engaging drama. The film is all about the words and the actors who are speaking them and the script, adapted from the play by August Wilson, is a rhythmic playhouse for actors.

The words leap out of the marvelous performances by Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Washington commands every scene with a confidence, swagger and eventual villainy that he is my pick for best actor at the Oscars, even though his chances are slim at this point.

Viola Davis gives the film the humanity it needs in a performance that start off small and subdued, until she is allowed to bloom with the regret and anger she feels at feeling overshadowed in her marriage.

These are stunning performances by two of the best thespians working today reprising their Tony award winning characters. While Fences is a very grounded piece of work, it is wholly captivating and while some of the acting can feel a bit too theatrical, the film never once disobeys its classic source material and is an old-fashioned familial drama that conveys a story that is important and engaging.

Rating: 84.