#TIFF22: “CAUSEWAY”

By Mr. Will Wong

Jennifer Lawrence doesn’t miss a beat in this return to the screen after a hiatus. In addition to starring in the Drama as Lynsey, a soldier suffering injuries to her brain and body after some time in Afghanistan, she also produces.

The story centers on Lynsey as she returns home to New Orleans and she meets James (Brian Tyree Henry) after she brings her truck in to get repaired. The two form a complicated, unlikely friendship and layers are unravelled the more they get to know eachother. We learn of their past traumas which in ways have stunted their lives, though they cross each other’s paths in a fortune timing, forming a deep and intense connection.

This is Lila Neugebauer’s Feature directorial debut and she already is starting at the top with talent in this tight-knit Ensemble. Lawrence‘s Lynsey feels lived-in and is nuanced, really taking the character on a journey of self re-discovery. Henry’s performance however is a real revelation, suppressing James‘ pain under his good-guy exterior, while navigating his feelings for Lynsey at once. They pair play off each other perfectly. Who would’ve known?

CAUSEWAY is a slice of life which explores a very special friendship, while also exposing some of battle wounds a soldier carries for life.

CAUSEWAY screens as follows at TIFF ’22:

Sat, Sep 10 IN-PERSON Royal Alexandra Theatre 5:30pm

Sun, Sep 11 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 1:00pm

Thu, Sep 15 IN-PERSON Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre 3:00pm