Causeway (2022) Review

Lynsey a US solider has suffered a traumatic brain injury whilst on tour in Afghanistan and must return home for rehab, and really struggles to adapt to a normal life.

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We are slowly told Lynsey’s story and it is done in a good manner, as we build up to find out what exactly happened to her in Afghanistan and how she cannot see past anything else but wanting to be back in the army. She has no interest in the slow mundane life of being back at home and living with her mother who does not even try to understand anything about what has happened in her life.

James becomes a very close friend and they both end up supporting one another as they struggle with everything life has thrown at them. He has his own trauma of a car accident with his sister and nephew, again another story that is slowly unravelled. Both stories have a lot of tension to go along with them and I think it really does clarify and highlight that when something is extremely traumatic it is not simple and straightforward to be able to talk about it so easily.

Friendship or even companionship when you most need it is not really something that gets highlighted enough and I felt as though that major aspect of the film probably saved them both from a worse fate. Even if they do have a couple of arguments and take their frustration and anger out on the other person, again that was bound to happen when they opened up. Using some of that against one another despite it not really being the best idea.

The lack of empathy Lynsey received from her mother was quite difficult to understand really as you would think that your family would show a lot more support. The impact from the army and the doctor she as seeing didn’t really seem all that helpful either, after we find out what happened to her. Certainly a thought provoking film for what it is like for anyone injured when serving and the support or lack of if they are injured.

A film with a small cast really does need to rely on the leading performances for it to work and I for one was super excited and happy to have Jennifer Lawrence back on screen. I really do think she is an incredibly talented actress and this was another very emotional role where she was pushed to different limits and she pulls it off so very nicely. Brian Tyree Henry was perfect alongside her and you cannot help but enjoy the friendship that is built between them, he really pushes the boundaries for different scenes as well.