Causeway a powerful reminder of Lawrence’s talent
Causeway (13+, 94 mins) Directed by Lila Neugebauer Reviewed by James Croot ★★★★
After giving us a long-overdue glimpse of her charisma, comedic talents and ability to sell virtually any situation in Don’t Look Up, here is an immersive, feature-length reminder of Jennifer Lawrence’s true talents.
Her first leading role since 2018’s Red Sparrow, Causeway offers a nuanced character study and deep exploration of post traumatic stress disorder that is perhaps the now 32-year-old actor’s finest performance since her David O Russell trilogy of Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle and Joy.
However, such is her stripped back and down-to-earth inhabiting of a character, that the Lawrence film this will most remind you of is the one that introduced her to the world – 2010’s Winter’s Bone.
Here, Lawrence is Lynsey, a US soldier reluctantly returning to her home town of New Orleans after an explosion in Afghanistan leaves her with a traumatic brain injury.
Told she will need extensive physical and cognitive therapy and assistance with everything from toileting to brushing her teeth, all Lynsey wants to know is when she can be redeployed.
Distressed at having to move back in with her feckless mother (‘‘You used to be the funniest kid, when did you become so serious?’’ her ma chides) and unable to concentrate long enough to work in an office, Lynsey snaps up a vacancy as a pool cleaner.
However, things get off to a disastrous start when her mum’s old car breaks down.
Nursing it to the nearest garage and unable to remember her own cellphone number, Lynsey is fortunate to encounter the patient James (Brian Tyree Henry).
Not only does he give her a lift to work and a good deal on the repairs, but he’s happy to be called upon any time. The pair bond and open up to one another about their regrets, hopes and fears.
‘‘I’m sick of people feeling bad for me,’’ a frustrated Lynsey says. ‘‘I want to go somewhere useful.’’
‘‘But what if Afghanistan is not the only trauma?’’ James counters.
Also one of a trio of screenwriters, Lila Neugebauer impresses greatly on her feature film directorial debut. I particularly loved her understated, yet powerful, introduction to Lynsey – a point-of-view shot from behind her shoulder which doesn’t reveal her face for some time.
Best known for her theatre work, Neugebauer has done a terrific job of eliciting two terrific performances from Lawrence and Atlanta’s Henry. Their chemistry is palpable, believable and doesn’t feel forced to follow any traditional Hollywood convention as they share a burger, a beer, a pool and their sometimes emotional life stories. There are missteps, miscommunications and misunderstandings, but also a connection and comfort that makes their friendship really come to life for the viewer.
Like Richard Linklater’s beloved Before trilogy, Causeway is a movie in which very little happens, but such is the strength of the scenario, the writing and the characters, you find yourself engrossed in their world – and a little disappointed when the story comes to an end.
Causeway is now available to stream on Apple TV+.