The Burial Story:-
Based on a true story, this courtroom drama centers on a personal injury lawyer who assists a funeral home owner in challenging and suing a large funeral home company.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 13 October 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Drama |
| Duration | 2h 6min |
| Cast | Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, Jurnee Smollett, Mamoudou Athie, Bill Camp, Dorian Missick, Pamela Reed, Amanda Warren, Jim Klock, Alan Ruck, Billy Slaughter, Lance E. Nichols |
| Director | Maggie Betts |
| Writer | Doug Wright, Maggie Betts |
| Cinematography | Maryse Alberti |
| Music | Michael Abels |
| Producer | Jamie Foxx, Jenette Kahn, Celine Rattray, Adam Richman, Robert Shriver, Trudie Styler, Datari Turner |
| Production | Amazon Studios, Bobby Shriver Inc., Double Nickel Entertainment, Big Indie Pictures, Maven Pictures |
| Certificate | 18+ |
Jamie Foxx’s talent shines brightly when he’s in his element, and The Burial provides him with a platform to showcase his acting prowess. Foxx’s performance in the film is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the role. The Burial falls into the genre of courtroom dramas reminiscent of the legal films that flooded theaters in the ’90s, often inspired by the works of John Grisham. However, this film distinguishes itself by weaving in an astonishing true story featured in The New Yorker and delivering exceptional performances. It captivates audiences with its straightforward storytelling, earnestly narrating the tale in its purest form. Nevertheless, the film faces challenges, particularly in character development, which remains lacking for most of the cast, barring a few exceptions. Despite this, the drama successfully captivates viewers, immersing them in the David versus Goliath struggle at its core.
While tackling a serious subject, the film maintains a light-hearted tone and injects comedic moments, courtesy of Jamie Foxx’s versatile acting. Under the adept direction of Maggie Betts, The Burial emerges as a polished courtroom drama that becomes increasingly enjoyable and engaging as it progresses. It retains its status as a crowd-pleaser by fulfilling the requirements of an underdog story. The film’s most notable achievement lies in its ability to breathe life into the dry subject of burial insurance, infusing the screenplay with vitality and shaping it into a more commercially appealing format.
Based on a true story featured in The New Yorker and set in 1995, the film centers around Jeremiah O’Keefe (portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones), a funeral home director. When O’Keefe decides to sell a portion of his business to the Loewen Group, which is aggressively acquiring funeral homes and related insurance, the deal becomes ensnared in a contractual dispute. Opting to take legal action, O’Keefe enlists the help of maverick personal injury lawyer Willie Gary (played by Jamie Foxx), renowned for his undefeated streak over the past 12 years and his airplane adorned with the slogan “Wings of Justice.” However, when it’s revealed that a black judge will preside over the case, the corporation swiftly adjusts its strategy by hiring a black female lawyer. Despite initial hesitation, Gary recognizes the significance of the case and its potential impact on his career, ultimately accepting the challenge.
Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Gary serves as the film’s centerpiece, commanding attention and overshadowing other characters. His performance, perfectly suited to an actor of Foxx’s caliber, anchors the narrative with confidence and skill. From his commanding presence in the courtroom to his riveting cross-examination of Roy Loewen, Foxx’s performance is electrifying throughout. While Tommy Lee Jones maintains a more subdued presence for much of the film, his chemistry with Foxx remains a standout aspect. Jurnee Smollett, in the role of defense lawyer Mame Downes, delivers a captivating performance, while Mamodou Athie shines as young lawyer Hal, offering a natural and compelling portrayal.
While race isn’t the explicit focus of the film, it permeates the narrative, adding layers of complexity and tension. Key moments, such as Hal’s confrontation with Mike, O’Keefe’s long-time friend and attorney, underscore the film’s exploration of racial dynamics. These scenes contribute to the film’s depth and resonance. The Burial emerges as a potent and compelling drama, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with its powerful storytelling and performances.
