Broadway fans are finally getting to see Denzel Washington and Viola Davis reprise their roles from the 2010 production of Fences, a play written for the stage in 1983 by August Wilson. This time around, the pair are tackling their married couple on the silver screen with Washington directing for the first time since 2007’s The Great Debaters.
Fences follows Troy (Washington), an African-American father facing race relations during the American 1950s while trying to raise a son and keep his family intact. In doing so, Troy must also come to terms with the events in his life that got him to where he is now. Davis co-stars as Rose, Troy’s wife and support. The film also features performances by Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump), Russell Hornsby (TV’s Grimm), Saniyya Sidney (Hidden Figures), and Jovan Adepo (HBO’s The Leftovers).
The film’s first trailer does not hold back on the drama and showcases the story’s theatrical roots. Washington is primarily featured, giving his on-screen son what seems like the monologue of his life, while the events of the film play on. Washington and Davis’ comfort in these roles is apparent, and both of their performances in the trailer alone are especially moving. It won’t be surprising if we hear their names mentioned quite frequently in awards chatter this season.
Check out the trailer below. Fences hits theaters on Christmas Day.
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