Make it a movie night: Fences

Stellar performances from Denzel Washington and Viola Davis - it's a must-see!

February marks the height of winter – sub zero temperatures and unpredictable sleet showers, so nothing beats bunkering down to watch a good movie (with a bucketload of snacks!).

This month we recommend the new film Fences, a story set in mid-century Pittsburgh about a sanitation worker called Troy Maxson (played by the gorgeous Denzel Washington), who once dreamed of a baseball career, but was too old when the major leagues began admitting black players. He tries to be a good husband and father, but his lost dream of glory eats at him, and causes him to make a decision that threatens to tear his family apart.

Fences is directed by Denzel Washington from a screenplay by August Wilson, adapted from Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The back story is, Wilson was adamant that the movie could not be directed by anyone who wasn’t black, so Washington took on the role of being the director and lead character.  The film also stars, Viola Davis, Jovan Adepo, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, and Saniyya Sidney.

With the Oscars fast approaching, Viola Davis is tipped to pick up a golden gong for Best Supporting Actress (fingers-crossed). So far, critics have praised the film for its ‘towering performances’, and hard-hitting reality checks. 

Fences is out now and goes nationwide  from 17th February