Reviews have started pouring in for Denzel Washington’s Fences, the much-anticipated adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play. The film sees Washington and Viola Davis reprising the roles that won them Tony Awards back in 2010—and that could, if this initial reaction is any indication, very well earn them Oscars as well. (A poignant story or two for the campaign trail certainly won’t hurt.) Indeed, while critics appear positive on this Fences overall, it’s the performances—from Washington and Davis down to supporting players like Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump)—that are receiving the raves.
Here’s a roundup of what critics have had to say about Fences so far.
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis give Oscar-worthy performances.
David Ehrlich, Indiewire:
Viola Davis and Denzel Washington are sensational.
Robert Abele, the Wrap:
It’s not just Washington in home-run form, but Viola Davis, too … It’s a safe bet these in-the-moment powerhouses will be in plenty of accolade-centric conversations for the rest of the season.
Todd McCarthy, the Hollywood Reporter:
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis know their parts here backward and forward, and they, along with the rest of the fine cast, bat a thousand, hitting both the humorous and serious notes.
Mike Ryan, Uproxx:
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis are a tour de force … They are both all but certain to not just be nominated for Academy Awards, but are the odds on favorite to win their respective categories, too.
And the supporting actors stand out, too.
Tim Grierson, Screen Daily:
The supporting cast, including Mykelti Williamson as Troy’s troubled brother and Russell Hornsby as Troy’s adult son from a previous relationship, is first-rate.
Clayton Davis, Awards Circuit:
Mykelti Williamson reminds the world that he’s one of our most sacred and refined secrets in the industry … Jovan Adepo has just blazed the path for what is sure to be an incredible acting career … Stephen McKinley Henderson uses charm as a second language, magnetically appealing to the viewer with his wit and his heartbreaking subtext … Russell Hornsby’s smooth-talking older son Lyons fixates on being the icing on this already delicious cake.
Wilson’s brilliant writing translates effectively to the screen.
Todd McCarthy, the Hollywood Reporter:
Fences is as faithful, impeccably acted, and honestly felt a film adaptation of August Wilson’s celebrated play as the late author could have possibly wished for.
Clayton Davis, Awards Circuit:
The highlight of Fences truly is the soul of playwright and screenwriter August Wilson … that is embedded in each verb, noun, and phrase spoken from the page.
Catherine Shoard, the Guardian:
Would Wilson be pleased? A black director, extraordinary performances, as faithful an adaptation as you can imagine. He’d be ecstatic.
Washington’s directorial stamp is minimal, for better and for worse.
David Ehrlich, Indiewire:
Washington’s inability or unwillingness to use the camera as more than a recording device does a disservice to a story that’s so concerned with the interplay between daily life and the dreams that we measure it against.
Owen Gleiberman, Variety:
Much of Fences is set in the Maxsons’ small, cramped patch of backyard, but the film doesn’t feel stagy, because … Washington, as both actor and director, gets the conversation humming with a speed and alacrity that keeps the audience jazzed.
Rodrigo Perez, the Playlist:
There is a lack of vigor that marks many of the film’s best scenes, and the drama is further hampered by Washington’s unimaginative direction.
