Watch TrailerThe Burial Review: Legal dramas are a tricky business. They either have a way to get you hooked easily or they can slip you into boredom. The Burial is inclined towards the former but does have its moments when it sways towards the other side. Starring Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones, the Amazon Prime Video film is based on the David v. Goliath case from the 1990s. The Burial revolves around a small-time Southern funeral home operator, played by Tommy Lee Jones, and his fight against an unethical Canadian billionaire, played by Bill Camp.
The 126-minute film kicks off as a simple courtroom drama between the two funeral operators. However, as the story unfolds, director Maggie Betts slowly places her cards on the table. With every passing scene, you realise that The Burial is more than just a legal drama. It doubles up into a needed history lesson, shedding light on the impact of Ku Klux Klan, slavery and racism in the US, which comes with its share of theatrics.
The film gets many things right starting from its casting. Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones elevate the film with their performances. With The Burial, Jamie reminds us what a powerful actor he is. The actor shows various shades throughout the film which gives his character, lawyer Willie E. Gary, the arc he deserved. From being a showman in the courtroom and church to being a mellow mumma’s boy, Jamie holds the screen everytime he is in it.
Tommy Lee Jones as the 75-year-old Jeremiah O’Keefe shares a palpable bond with Jamie on the screen. The legendary actor puts forward a subtle yet powerful performance that illuminates the screen. The scene on the flight in which their characters truly get to know each other shows how they can hold the screen together. Jurnee Smollett as Mame Downes shines in the scenes she was given. I wanted to see a little more of her, especially in scenes outside the courtroom.
Although he was featured as a supporting character, Alan Ruck is another star who helped take the film to the next level. Playing Jeremiah’s long-time lawyer and family friend, Mike Allred, Alan is in brilliant form in the film. Mamoudou Athie as Hal Dockins was also a personal favourite. I was hoping he would also get a tad more screen time, he has a strong presence.
While the layered writing and performance were top-notch, The Burial has an issue of pace. The film takes a dip every time the plot peaks, and the dip is noticeable. The film suddenly slows down after giving an Adrenaline rush in the courtroom scenes, forcing it to reconnect with the viewer.
The film also gets predictable after a point, especially in the second half. While it is understandable that director Maggie Betts wants to start tying the loose threads, in the process, she lets the subplot take the backseat and opt for a traditional legal drama climax. This approach does affect the film.
Nevertheless, The Burial serves as an interesting one-time watch owing to the stellar star cast and the history it delves into.
