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The Burial Movie Review: Maggie Betts' The Burial has a title straight out of a Blumhouse horror production, but it is in reality a courtroom drama. It's based on a real-life legal battle involving a small-town business owner standing up to a corporate giant. What's ironic is that the film is available on Prime Video, an Amazon-owned platform—a corporation whose likes The Burial indirectly challenges. Setting this irony aside, The Burial delivers a compelling legal drama with outstanding performances from Tommy Lee Jones and, notably, Jamie Foxx. Tommy Lee Jones Replaces Harrison Ford to Star Opposite Jamie Foxx in Amazon's 'The Burial'.
Set in the '90s, the story revolves around Jeremiah Joseph O'Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones), the owner of a funeral home. He files a lawsuit against the Loewen Group, a corporate behemoth, over a contractual dispute. Jeremiah's business is on the verge of financial ruin, and he agrees to a deal with Loewen Group CEO Raymond Loewen (Bill Camp) to sell three of his properties. However, Raymond keeps him waiting, anticipating Jeremiah's bankruptcy before finalising the deal, which prompts the lawsuit.
Upon the advice of his young legal advisor, Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie), Jeremiah hires Willie E Gary (Jamie Foxx), a high-profile lawyer specialising in personal injury cases. Hesitant at first, Willie takes on the case, realising the potential career growth rewards, but it becomes the most significant gamble of his career.
Watch the Trailer of The Burial:
It's easy to appreciate a film like The Burial with its two exceptional lead actors, Foxx and Jones, who deliver outstanding performances. Courtroom dramas have a special place with viewers, especially when they pit an underdog against a powerful adversary. The film explores themes of racism and bigotry while admirably subverting the 'white saviour' trope by featuring black lawyers coming to the aid of an elderly white man. Jurnee Smollet's character, the defense lawyer for Loewen, even confronts the 'white saviour' narrative when Willie and his team attempt to use it in Jeremiah's defense.
The camera lavishes attention on these talented actors, giving them space to shine. Witness Jamie Foxx's mesmerising single-take monologue during the opening act or the moments that capture Jeremiah's subtle expressions, revealing his simmering emotions.
There are several arresting moments, such as when Jeremiah's long-time lawyer and family friend, Mike Allred (portrayed by Alan Ruck in top form), gets confronted on his own racial biases and questionable family history in court. Another memorable scene occurs when Jeremiah shares a song, that Willie made him listen on a flight, at the negotiation table, which did put a smile on my face. However, The Burial occasionally struggles to break free from the genre's conventional procedures.
The film's primary flaw lies in its formulaic approach to a courtroom drama, adhering to the predictable patterns we associate with such films. These include a case with clear lines between right and wrong, a hesitant lawyer who eventually uses the case to his advantage, significant obstacles, and a bonding of the lawyer and wronged party on a personal level. Smollet's Mame Downes, set up as the fiery rival lawyer, suffers from a biased character perspective. Fair Play Movie Review: Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich's Psychological Drama Shines With Its Acting and Writing!
Despite the predictability, The Burial does make some surprising choices, like cutting off Willie's closing statement in the finale just before it begins, transitioning to a scene where they await the verdict. This decision may frustrate some, but in the context of the preceding scene, a quiet conversation between Willie and his wife (Amanda Warren), it becomes a logical editing choice. It's a moment when Willie realizes that the case transcends his showmanship. We've already seen him put his best foot forward during the case when he interrogates Raymond on the stand a few scenes earlier.
On that note, Jamie Foxx excels in his role, offering a captivating performance that ranges from showy to restrained when needed. It's undeniably among his best works. Despite his co-star's more crowd-pleasing performance, Tommy Lee Jones continues to exhibit his class when the spotlight falls on him. Mamoudou Athie impresses, and Jurnee Smollett holds her ground with ease, even when the writing doesn't favor her character.
Final Thoughts
The Burial may walk familiar paths in the realm of courtroom dramas, but it does so with a finesse that keeps viewers engaged. The stellar performances by Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones, along with its occasional surprises and poignant moments, make it a film worth watching. The Burial is streaming on Prime Video.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2023 07:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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