The Burial – Film Review

The Burial by director Maggie Betts sets out on a journey that sheds light on the murky nooks of the American legal system, bringing to life a David-and-Goliath story that mesmerizes with its audacity and tenacity. The film explores the complexities of justice, morality, and power. It was inspired by the actual legal dispute between attorney Willie E. Gary and the Loewen funeral home. Even though the story is interesting and the performances are admirable, the film occasionally stumbles, keeping it from achieving the pinnacles of cinematic greatness.

The Burial, which takes place in 1995, immerses viewers in the life of Willie E. Gary, played by Jamie Foxx with charisma and conviction. To aid Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones), the owner of a struggling funeral home, Gary, an unconventional personal injury attorney, launches an ambitious campaign. The Loewen Group, a massive funeral home corporation, is their foe. In the courtroom, Gary and his team—which includes the tenacious Mame Downes (Jurnee Smollett), the sincere Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie), and the seasoned Raymond Loewen (Bill Camp)—confront the opposing side in a conflict that would change the course of legal history.

For fans of courtroom dramas, the film delves deeply into the complexities of the legal system and offers an immersive experience. The atmosphere in the courtroom is tense and perfectly captures the essence of a high-stakes trial. The portrayal of Willie E. Gary by Jamie Foxx is electrifying and perfectly captures the lawyer’s unwavering resolve and unconventional strategies. Foxx plays Gary with both charm and intensity, embodying his larger-than-life persona.

Tommy Lee Jones gives a moving performance as Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe, delicately capturing the character’s resiliency and vulnerability. His on-screen chemistry with Foxx gives the film emotional depth, drawing viewers into their uphill struggle. As Mame Downes, Jurnee Smollett shines and gives the story a fierce, feminist energy. Layers are added to the narrative by her character’s unwavering support for O’Keefe and Gary, which also provides a novel viewpoint on the traditionally male-dominated legal profession.

Hal Dockins, a young attorney navigating the complexities of the case, is compellingly portrayed by Mamoudou Athie. Athie vividly depicts Hal’s development and transformation, capturing the challenges and victories of a young lawyer thrust into a crucial legal dispute. As Raymond Loewen, Bill Camp portrays the height of corporate greed and arrogance with a calculated menace. The audience is made to hate Loewen while admiring his cunning strategies by Camp’s performance, which gives the narrative a chilling new dimension.

The film’s meticulous attention to detail is one of its notable strengths. The audience is completely transported to the 1990s setting, complete with period-appropriate fashion choices and technological limitations. The cinematography is also excellent, capturing the characters’ unfiltered emotions and the grandeur of the courtroom proceedings. Maggie Betts, the director, merits praise for her skill in balancing the film’s visual components and producing a visually captivating experience.

The Burial is not without faults, though. It occasionally falls victim to clichés, relying on foreseeable plot turns and overly dramatic scenes that take away from its authenticity. Despite the compelling courtroom scenes, some of the character developments seem hurried, leaving some relationships and motivations unexplored. The pacing suffers as well, especially in the second act, which causes lulls in the action that slow down the story’s overall progress.

The film’s attempt to address issues of morality, justice, and the corrupting effect of corporate power occasionally comes across as heavy-handed. The dialogue occasionally becomes preachy, which lessens the impact of the underlying messages. The emotional impact might have been enhanced by a more nuanced treatment of these themes, allowing viewers to consider the subtleties of the legal dispute and its moral ramifications.

The Burial is a compelling investigation of a true legal saga that upended the tenets of the American legal system. The film is anchored by the outstanding performances of Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones. The supporting cast also makes a significant contribution to the film’s appeal by weaving a tapestry of real-feeling characters.