Fences Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy garbage man builds a literal and metaphorical fence, then yells a lot, has an affair, and dies, proving that life’s garbage is unavoidable.

🍿 Fences: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Troy Maxson

Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the film introduces Troy Maxson, a sanitation worker with a complex past. He’s a former baseball player from the Negro Leagues, now grappling with missed opportunities and the realities of providing for his family. Troy’s personality is a mix of charm, bitterness, and a commanding presence that influences everyone around him.

Family Dynamics and Conflicting Dreams

The story delves into Troy’s relationships with his wife, Rose, and his two sons, Lyons and Cory. Lyons, from a previous relationship, is a musician who often asks Troy for money, creating tension due to Troy’s practical views on work. Cory, a talented football player, faces his father’s disapproval, stemming from Troy’s own experiences with racial discrimination and his fear of Cory facing similar disappointment. This conflict becomes a central point of the narrative.

Building Fences: Literal and Metaphorical

Rose asks Troy to build a fence around their house, which becomes a significant symbol in the film. The fence represents both the desire to protect the family and the barriers Troy unintentionally creates between himself and his loved ones. His rigid views and inability to support Cory’s dreams contribute to the growing distance within the family. The act of building the fence mirrors the construction of emotional walls.

Betrayal and Its Consequences

The plot thickens when Troy is promoted to being a truck driver, becoming the first African-American in the role in his company. However, this achievement is overshadowed by his infidelity. Troy has an affair with a woman named Alberta, which eventually leads to her pregnancy. This betrayal shatters his relationship with Rose, leading to deep emotional wounds and altering the family dynamic irrevocably.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington): A bitter and prideful sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh, haunted by missed opportunities and his troubled past, who struggles to connect with his family.
• Rose Maxson (Viola Davis): Troy’s devoted wife, who sacrifices her own dreams and desires to support her family, but eventually seeks her own fulfillment.
• Cory (Jovan Adepo): Troy and Rose’s son, a talented football player who clashes with his father’s rigid views and controlling nature.
• Jim Bono (Stephen McKinley Henderson): Troy’s loyal best friend and co-worker, who serves as a voice of reason and observes the Maxson family dynamics.
• Lyons (Russell Hornsby): Troy’s son from a previous relationship, a struggling musician who seeks his father’s approval and financial support.
• Gabriel (Mykelti Williamson): Troy’s brother, mentally impaired by a war injury, whose government payout helped Troy buy a home and provides a source of guilt for Troy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Troy: “You got to take the crookeds with the straights. That’s what Papa used to say.” – Troy uses this line to justify his flawed actions and decisions, accepting that life isn’t perfect.
• Rose: “I been standing with you! I been right here with you, Troy. I got a life too. I gave eighteen years of my life to stand in the same spot with you.” – Rose’s heartbreaking realization of her sacrifices and unfulfilled dreams within her marriage to Troy.
• Troy: “I don’t want him to be like me! I want him to move as far away from my life as he can get.” – Troy explains his harshness towards Cory, driven by his fear of his son repeating his mistakes and facing similar disappointments.
• Troy: “Death ain’t nothing but a fastball on the outside corner.” – Troy uses a baseball metaphor to describe his understanding and lack of fear towards death.
• Cory: “How come you ain’t never liked me?” – Cory directly confronts Troy about their strained relationship, highlighting the emotional core of their conflict.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $57,682,904
• Worldwide Gross: $64,414,761

💥 Fences Reviews

Personal Review

I saw ‘Fences’ with my mom, and we were both blown away. The acting is just incredible, especially Viola Davis – her performance as Rose is one of the best I’ve ever seen. I loved how the movie explored the complexities of family relationships and how the past can really mess you up. The scene where Rose confronts Troy about his affair? Gut-wrenching. Definitely a must-see, but bring tissues!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of August Wilson’s plays”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances, especially by Denzel Washington and Viola Davis”
  • “Audiences interested in stories exploring family dynamics and social issues in mid-20th century America”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of infidelity and marital conflict”
  • “Discussions of racial discrimination”
  • “Some scenes of domestic conflict and violence”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Washington and Davis deliver powerhouse performances, breathing life into Wilson’s words. While its stage origins are apparent, the film’s emotional resonance is undeniable, offering a poignant exploration of family, race, and the burden of unfulfilled dreams.
• Rolling Stone: “Fences is a showcase for acting. Washington’s direction keeps the focus on the performances, allowing Davis to shine in a role that is both heartbreaking and strong. The film is less successful at escaping its theatrical roots, but the raw emotion is impossible to ignore.
• Variety: “Denzel Washington directs with a steady hand, giving the actors room to explore the complexities of their characters. Viola Davis is mesmerizing, delivering a performance of fierce loyalty and quiet desperation.

Audience Reactions

Viola Davis’ performance was incredible and deeply moving.: The exceptional acting by Denzel Washington and Viola Davis was universally praised.

The powerful and realistic dialogue kept me engaged the entire movie.: The film’s faithful adaptation of August Wilson’s play resonated with viewers.

Overall Consensus: A powerful, character-driven drama with outstanding performances that make for an intense and emotional viewing experience. The film is a faithful adaptation to the play. Despite of some negative reviews from regular viewers.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 2017
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture)- 2017
3. BAFTA Film Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Denzel Washington and Viola Davis both won Tony Awards for their performances in the 2010 Broadway revival of ‘Fences,’ reprising their roles in this film adaptation.”
• “August Wilson, the playwright, adapted his own Pulitzer Prize-winning play for the screen before his death in 2005. Tony Kushner did uncredited work on the screenplay.”
• “Denzel Washington insisted on filming in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, where August Wilson’s plays are set, to maintain authenticity.”
• “All five main adult actors (Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Russell Hornsby, and Mykelti Williamson) reprise their roles from the 2010 Broadway revival in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Fences?

Fences is currently available to stream on platforms like Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video with a Paramount+ subscription. It’s also often available for rent or purchase on demand via services such as Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for cable and satellite availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Fences, you might like these similar films:

• A Raisin in the Sun (1961): Shares similar themes of race, family, and the pursuit of dreams in a 1950s African-American household.
• Death of a Salesman (1949): Explores the disillusionment of the American Dream and the strained relationship between a father and son.
• The Great Debaters (2007): Directed by Denzel Washington, this movie explores racial discrimination and features powerful performances.
• Moonlight (2016): A coming-of-age story with strong themes of identity, family, and masculinity in the African-American community.
• American Violet (2008): Deals with the struggles of racial discrimination and a mother’s fight to protect her family in a biased legal system.

🛒 Fences Related Products

• Fences (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and experience the powerful performances and moving story in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes.
• Fences: A Play (August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play): Read the original Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson and delve deeper into the characters and themes explored in the film. A great way to appreciate the source material and Wilson’s brilliant writing.
• Denzel Washington: A Biography: Discover the life and career of the acclaimed actor and director, Denzel Washington, and learn more about his journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected figures. Includes insights into his work on ‘Fences’.
• Viola Davis: Finding Me: Viola Davis in her own words, from her impoverished childhood in Rhode Island, to her award-winning stage and screen career. A deeply personal and inspirational story.

🎧 Soundtrack

Fences features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jesus Be A Fence Around Me” – performed by Viola Davis
• “Original Motion Picture Score Suite” – performed by Marcelo Zarvos

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Viola Davis Wins Best Supporting Actress | 89th Oscars (2017)

Watch Viola Davis deliver a powerful speech as she accepts the Oscar for her unforgettable performance in Fences. Her words are sure to inspire and resonate with you.

FENCES PARODY by KingBach

Get ready for a good laugh! KingBach’s parody of Fences is a creative and entertaining take on the film. It’s a must-watch for fans of comedy and Fences alike.

James Earl Jones – Fences “You Ain’t Never Liked Me”

Prepare to be mesmerized by James Earl Jones’s iconic performance in Fences. This clip is a testament to his talent and the timeless power of the play.

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