The Burial
James Brown
“The Burial,” is a film that beckons us to reflect on the complexities of justice and human connections. Director Maggie Betts (Novitiate) turns what could have been ‘just another courtroom movie’ into an exciting, sometimes lighthearted, other times heartfelt drama.
The film delves into the true story of Jeremiah O’Keefe, brought to life by the incomparable Tommy Lee Jones and his lawyer, portrayed with gravitas by Jamie Foxx. The narrative takes place in the mid-1990s, when the death care industry was consolidating, and a handful of mega-corporations were buying up thousands of small family-owned funeral homes.
Jamie Foxx delivers a remarkable performance as Gary, who embarks on a journey to seek justice for his client, O’Keefe, who’s threatened with the take-over of his family-owned funeral home by a giant corporation. Foxx’s portrayal captures the essence of a legal maverick, blending charisma with a relentless pursuit of justice and big checks for his clients. Foxx seamlessly transitions between his character’s comedic and dramatic aspects in a way no one else can. He makes you laugh, sometimes laugh hard, but not so hard that you no longer take the character seriously.
On the other hand, Tommy Lee Jones as O’Keefe feels so authentic it will give you goosebumps. His portrayal evokes empathy for a man entangled in circumstances beyond his control. The chemistry between Foxx and Jones on screen is electric, grounding the film’s emotional core. The film also stars Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country), Mamoudou Athie (Oh Jerome, No, Unicorn Store), Alan Ruck (Succession), Bill Camp (The Queen’s Gambit), Pamela Reed (Proof of Life), and Doug Spearman.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to tackle profound societal issues within the framework of a legal drama in a way that’s easy to consume. “The Burial” also underscores the racial disparities that have plagued the American justice system. The film doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, serving as a mirror to reflect upon the ongoing struggles for equity and justice.
The filmmakers masterfully balance the legal intricacies of the case with poignant moments of human connection.
The screenwriters Betts, Doug Wright (Quills), and Jonathan Harr deserve applause for bringing a corporate legal battle to life in a way general audiences can easily follow with little explanatory dialogue. The filmmakers masterfully balance the legal intricacies of the case with poignant moments of human connection. The pacing seems deliberate, immersing viewers in the characters’ emotional journey. It’s a testament to their storytelling prowess that they can seamlessly weave together O’Keefe’s legal battles and personal struggles in a way that makes you feel his pain.
Director Maggie Betts uses the film’s visual and auditory elements with precision. The cinematography captures the essence of the 1990s, grounding the narrative in its historical context. The soundtrack, curated meticulously, enhances the emotional impact of pivotal scenes and eventually even becomes part of the story.
While “The Burial” shines in many aspects, it has flaws. Some may find the film’s over 2-hour runtime slightly long. Also, there are a few scenes in the second hour that don’t add anything to the story and lead to a less focused film.
“The Burial” is a poignant and thought-provoking film confronting the complexities of justice, power, and race in America. Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx deliver outstanding performances that anchor the film’s emotional weight. The film’s exploration of the death care industry’s predatory practices and powerful story of one man’s fight for justice make it a must-watch. “The Burial” is not just a legal drama; it’s a mirror reflecting our society’s ongoing struggle for justice and equity.
Final Thought
Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx make a great team and should do more work together.