Causeway (2022) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Causeway is a 2022 psychological drama that takes a quiet and reflective look at trauma, healing, and unlikely friendship. Directed by Lila Neugebauer and written by Ottessa Moshfegh, Luke Goebel, and Elizabeth Sanders, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence in one of her most subdued and powerful performances to date. The film focuses on the emotional and physical recovery of a soldier after returning home from Afghanistan. Lawrence’s nuanced performance, combined with the film’s gentle pacing and focus on internal struggles, makes Causeway a deeply affecting drama.
This review will explore the themes, performances, and overall impact of the film while providing information on how to stream it online in the U.S.
Overview of Causeway
Directed by: Lila Neugebauer
Written by: Ottessa Moshfegh, Luke Goebel, Elizabeth Sanders
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Brian Tyree Henry, Linda Emond, Jayne Houdyshell
Runtime: 1h 32m
Genre: Drama, Psychological
Causeway centers on Lynsey (Jennifer Lawrence), a U.S. Army engineer who suffers a traumatic brain injury during her service in Afghanistan. After returning home to New Orleans, she faces the long and painful road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. As she struggles to regain her independence, she meets James (Brian Tyree Henry), a local mechanic with his own emotional scars. The two form an unexpected bond as they help each other confront their respective traumas.
Plot Breakdown: A Journey of Healing
At the start of the film, Lynsey is discharged from a rehabilitation center where she has been recovering from the injuries sustained during her time in Afghanistan. The physical toll of her injury is evident as she struggles to regain motor functions and handle basic tasks. However, it is the emotional scars that prove to be the most difficult to heal.
Returning to her mother’s home in New Orleans, Lynsey finds herself feeling isolated and disconnected from the world she left behind. She is determined to return to active duty, but her doctors are hesitant due to the severity of her injuries. Throughout the film, Lynsey grapples with feelings of guilt, frustration, and a desire to escape her present circumstances.
Lynsey’s world takes a turn when she meets James, a local mechanic who helps fix her truck. James, played by Brian Tyree Henry, is a man burdened by his own past. He carries the weight of a tragic accident that has left him emotionally adrift. Despite their differences, Lynsey and James bond over their shared experiences of loss and trauma, forming a deep friendship that becomes central to both their recoveries.
What Worked in Causeway
1. Jennifer Lawrence’s Remarkable Performance
Jennifer Lawrence delivers one of her most introspective performances in Causeway. Known for her dynamic roles in films like Silver Linings Playbook and The Hunger Games series, Lawrence strips away the more extroverted aspects of her previous work to embody Lynsey, a woman quietly battling the invisible wounds of trauma. Lawrence’s portrayal is deeply restrained, allowing her internal struggle to unfold through small, subtle gestures. Her performance anchors the film and gives it emotional depth.
2. Brian Tyree Henry’s Breakthrough Role
While Lawrence is the film’s central figure, Brian Tyree Henry shines as James. His character’s trauma is just as palpable as Lynsey’s, but he expresses it in a different, more open way. Henry’s portrayal of James is heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure, offering a gentle and empathetic presence that contrasts with Lynsey’s more reserved demeanor. Their chemistry is natural and understated, making their friendship feel authentic and profound.
Henry’s performance earned him critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, cementing him as one of the standout talents in Hollywood today.
3. A Quiet, Reflective Tone
Causeway is not a film filled with dramatic plot twists or fast-paced action. Instead, it takes a quiet, meditative approach to storytelling. The film’s strength lies in its focus on the everyday struggles of recovery and the subtle moments of connection between characters. Director Lila Neugebauer creates an atmosphere of stillness, allowing viewers to sit with the characters and their emotions without rushing to a resolution.
This slow-burn approach may not appeal to everyone, but it provides a nuanced exploration of trauma and healing. The film’s pacing allows for deep emotional resonance, as it carefully unpacks the psychological burdens carried by both Lynsey and James.
4. Beautiful Cinematography and Setting
The film is set in New Orleans, and the city’s unique atmosphere is captured through stunning cinematography by Diego Garcia. From the quiet suburban streets to the lush, humid landscapes, the visuals create a sense of place that feels both real and symbolic. The natural environment often mirrors the emotional states of the characters, providing a rich backdrop to their internal journeys.
What Fell Short in Causeway
1. Slow Pacing May Not Appeal to All Audiences
While the film’s slow, reflective pace is one of its strengths, it may also be seen as a drawback for viewers expecting more traditional narrative momentum. The lack of external conflict or high-stakes drama may leave some audiences feeling like the film moves too slowly. However, for those who appreciate character-driven stories, Causeway provides a rewarding emotional experience.
2. Limited Scope of the Story
Some viewers may find that the film’s focus on Lynsey and James’ personal struggles limits its overall scope. There are no grand resolutions or life-altering events, and the film remains largely focused on the intimate, day-to-day realities of living with trauma. While this approach gives the film emotional authenticity, it may leave others wanting more narrative complexity.
Thematic Exploration: Trauma and Connection
At its core, Causeway is about trauma and the long, painful process of healing. Both Lynsey and James are haunted by past events that they cannot change, but through their unlikely friendship, they begin to find a way forward. The film explores how trauma can isolate individuals, but also how human connection can be a powerful force for healing.
Lynsey’s desire to return to the battlefield reflects her need to reclaim a sense of purpose and control over her life. However, as the film progresses, she begins to realize that true healing may come not from running away from her problems but from confronting them head-on.
James, on the other hand, is weighed down by guilt and grief, and his friendship with Lynsey offers him a chance to open up and find solace in shared vulnerability. Together, they help each other move forward, even if the path to recovery remains uncertain.
Where to Watch Causeway Online
If you’re in the U.S. and want to watch Causeway, here are your options:
1. Apple TV+
Causeway is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+. As an Apple Original, it’s included with an Apple TV+ subscription. If you’re not already a subscriber, Apple offers a free 7-day trial, allowing new users to watch the film at no extra cost during the trial period.
2. Rent or Purchase
At the moment, Causeway is not available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon, Google Play, or Vudu. It remains an Apple TV+ exclusive.
Final Thoughts on Causeway
Causeway is a quiet but powerful exploration of trauma, recovery, and human connection. With standout performances from Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry, the film offers a raw and intimate look at the emotional toll of trauma and the healing that can come from unexpected friendships. While its slow pace and limited narrative scope may not appeal to all viewers, Causeway is a rewarding watch for those who appreciate character-driven dramas with emotional depth.
For viewers looking for a deeply reflective film that lingers long after the credits roll, Causeway is an excellent choice. You can stream it now on Apple TV+.
