Causeway (2022)

After being one one of the biggest A-list stars, Lawrence seemed to have backed off. Other than getting somewhat lost in the cast of Don't Look Up despite being the central character, she hasn't been in any films since Dark Phoenix in 2019, a film already delayed in it's release. For me it was nice to see her return to the screen in this way, something quiet and intense, reminding us what a powerful actor and screen presence she is. 

Here is is paired with Henry, who quite opposite to her feels like he's been in everything lately. Not that that's a bad thing. He's always so incredible to watch, and has such an amazing range. The two of them together create sparks on the screen that power this film while both giving understated and layers performances. 

I'm not sure Causeway finds a way to bring too much originality to its story about how difficult it is for vets to come back to civilian culture after fighting in war, a theme that has been done time and again since films like The Best Years of our Lives and many others. The strength of this film is in its two central actors showing us just what they can do. 

Causeway

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Brian Tyree Henry, Linda Emond, Jayne Houdyshell, Fred Weller, Stephen McKinley Henderson

Director: Lila Neugebauer

Writers: Ottessa Moshfegh, Luke Goebel, Elizabeth Sanders