The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone.

These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life.

The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men.

The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Jurnee Smollett is strong as the opposing council. The back-and-forth between Foxx and Jones is the heart of the film and the heart of the story. Given the set up and the genre, you likely know where this is headed. Even the twists aren’t that surprising. 

These kinds of films don’t rest on the overall narrative but the strength of the characters. The script from Maggie Betts, who directed, Doug Wright and Jonathan Harr does a great job of building the central relationships and helping you invest in Willie, Jerry and their battle.

Overall, the film works to deliver solid performances and an engaging story with a satisfying ending. It’s worth checking out on streaming.

The Burial is now streaming on Prime Video.

Three and a half stars out of five