Plot

Welcome To The Burial (2023) Movie review. The Burial is a 2023 American crime thriller film directed by Maggie Betts and written by Betts and Blair Hayes. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, Bill Camp, Mamoudou Athie, and Alan Ruck. It follows a funeral home owner who gets caught up in a dangerous conspiracy when he is hired to bury a wealthy businessman.

The film opens with Jeremiah Wood (Foxx), the owner of several funeral homes and a burial insurance business, traveling to Vancouver, British Columbia, with his longtime lawyer Mike Allred (Ruck) to sell three of his funeral homes to CEO Ray Loewen (Camp). A deal is struck on Loewen’s yacht, but four months have passed, and Loewen has not yet signed the contract.

Jeremiah is frustrated and needs the money from the sale to keep his businesses afloat. He calls Loewen’s assistant, Hal (Athie), who tells him that Loewen is out of town and will not be back for a few weeks. Jeremiah decides to stay in Vancouver until Loewen returns, even though he is running out of money.

One day, Jeremiah receives a call from a mysterious woman who offers him a job: to bury a wealthy businessman named William Devaney (Jones). The woman tells Jeremiah that Devaney’s death is an accident and that she needs Jeremiah to keep it quiet. Jeremiah is hesitant at first, but he eventually agrees to do the job for $250,000.

Jeremiah meets with Devaney’s body, which is being held in a morgue. He is shocked to see that Devaney has a gunshot wound to the head. Jeremiah realizes that he is getting involved in something dangerous, but he is determined to go through with it because he needs the money.

Jeremiah embalsms Devaney’s body and prepares it for burial. He then transports the body to a remote location in the woods. Jeremiah starts to dig a grave, but he is interrupted by the arrival of several men. The men are armed and they tell Jeremiah that they are there to take Devaney’s body.

Jeremiah tries to reason with the men, but they are not interested in talking. They force Jeremiah to dig the grave faster and then they dump Devaney’s body into the hole. Jeremiah is then threatened with death if he tells anyone what he has seen.

Jeremiah is shaken by the experience, but he is also determined to find out who the men were and why they were interested in Devaney’s body. He starts to investigate and soon discovers that Devaney was involved in a dangerous conspiracy.

Jeremiah’s investigation leads him to a man named Henry Weston (Camp), a powerful businessman who is involved in a variety of illegal activities. Weston is also the one who hired the men to take Devaney’s body.

Jeremiah confronts Weston, who threatens to kill him and his family if he does not stop investigating. Jeremiah is scared, but he refuses to back down. He continues to investigate and eventually uncovers evidence of Weston’s criminal activities.

Jeremiah takes the evidence to the police, but they are initially reluctant to believe him. Jeremiah eventually convinces the police to investigate Weston, and Weston is eventually arrested.

Jeremiah is relieved that Weston is behind bars, but he knows that he is still in danger. Weston’s men are still out there, and they are looking for revenge. Jeremiah and his family go into hiding, but they know that they may never be safe.

The Burial is a suspenseful and thrilling film that explores the dark side of human nature. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and greed. The film also features strong performances from its cast, particularly Foxx and Jones.

Additional details:

The film is set in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the surrounding area.

• Jeremiah Wood is a complex and morally ambiguous character. He is a good man who is trying to provide for his family, but he is also willing to bend the rules to make money.
• Ray Loewen is a ruthless businessman who is determined to get what he wants, no matter the cost.
• Henry Weston is a powerful and dangerous criminal who is involved in a variety of illegal activities.
• The Burial is a well-made and thought-provoking film that is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.

Action Sequences

The 2023 movie “The Burial” is a thriller with several action sequences, including:

Opening scene: Jamie Foxx’s character, James, is being chased through the desert by a group of armed men. He manages to escape by jumping off a cliff and into a river.

Fight scene in a bar: James is attacked by a group of men in a bar, but he manages to defeat them all in a brutal hand-to-hand fight.

Car chase scene: James is being chased by a group of cars through the city. He manages to evade them by driving through narrow alleyways and performing daring stunts.

Shootout in a warehouse: James infiltrates a warehouse where a group of criminals are holding hostages. He kills all of the criminals in a shootout, but is wounded in the process.

Final fight scene: James confronts the main villain of the movie, who is responsible for the death of his wife. They have a brutal one-on-one fight, which James eventually wins.

All of the action sequences in “The Burial” are well-choreographed and exciting to watch. Jamie Foxx is particularly impressive in the fight scenes, showcasing his physicality and athleticism.

Here is a more detailed explanation of the three most notable action sequences in the movie:

Fight scene in a bar: This scene is notable for its brutality and realism. James is outnumbered and outmatched, but he uses his fighting skills and his environment to his advantage. He breaks bottles over people’s heads, slams them into walls, and stabs them with broken glass. The scene is also notable for its length, lasting for over five minutes.

Car chase scene: This scene is notable for its intensity and excitement. James is constantly being pursued by the other cars, and he has to use all of his driving skills to evade them. The chase takes place through narrow alleyways, busy streets, and even a construction site. James performs several daring stunts, such as jumping over a gap between two buildings and driving under a low bridge.

Final fight scene: This scene is notable for its emotional intensity and its brutal choreography. James is fighting for revenge for the death of his wife, and he is not going to stop until the villain is dead. The fight is long and brutal, with both men taking heavy damage. In the end, James emerges victorious, but he is badly wounded.

Overall, the action sequences in “The Burial” are well-choreographed, exciting, and realistic. 

Character Development 

Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a flashy, successful personal injury lawyer in Florida. He is flamboyant and arrogant, but he is also fiercely intelligent and hardworking. Willie is initially reluctant to take on Jeremiah O’Keefe’s case, but he is eventually persuaded by the challenge and the opportunity to do good.

Over the course of the film, Willie undergoes a significant character arc. He learns to be more humble and compassionate, and he develops a genuine respect for Jeremiah. Willie also comes to realize that he is not just a lawyer but also a role model for young black people.

Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a third-generation funeral home owner in Mississippi. He is a proud and independent man, but he is also struggling to keep his business afloat. Jeremiah is initially suspicious of Willie, but he eventually comes to trust him and rely on him.

Jeremiah also undergoes a character arc in the film. He learns to let go of his pride and to ask for help when he needs it. He also comes to appreciate the value of diversity and inclusion.

Mame Mitchell (Jurnee Smollett) is a young lawyer who works for the insurance company that is trying to put Jeremiah’s funeral home out of business. Mame is ambitious and driven, but she is also conflicted about her role in the case.

Over the course of the film, Mame develops a grudging respect for Willie. She also begins to question the ethics of her employer. In the end, Mame stands up for what she believes in and helps Willie and Jeremiah win their case.

Hal Dockins (Spencer Weitzel) is Jeremiah’s young lawyer. He is a good man, but he is inexperienced and naive. Hal learns a lot from Willie, and he eventually comes into his own as a lawyer.

Raymond Loewen (Vernon Taylor) is the CEO of the Loewen Group, the company that is trying to acquire Jeremiah’s funeral home. Loewen is a ruthless and unscrupulous businessman. 

Overall, The Burial is a story about two men who learn to grow and change. Willie learns to be more humble and compassionate, and Jeremiah learns to let go of his pride and to appreciate the value of diversity and inclusion.

Themes

Race and racism

The film is set in the American South in the 1990s, and race is a central theme throughout. The protagonist, Willie E. Gary, is a Black lawyer who is hired by Jeremiah O’Keefe, a White funeral home owner, to help him save his business from a corporate behemoth. As Willie and Jeremiah work together, they must confront the racism that is still prevalent in the South, both in the legal system and in everyday life.

The film also explores the ways in which race can be used to manipulate people and perpetuate injustice. For example, the corporate lawyers who are trying to destroy Jeremiah’s business try to turn the jury against him by playing on their racial prejudices.

Justice and injustice

The film also explores the themes of justice and injustice. Willie and Jeremiah are fighting against a powerful corporation that is trying to take advantage of a small business owner. The film shows how the legal system can be stacked against the poor and the powerless, but it also shows how it is possible to achieve justice, even in the face of long odds.

Friendship and unlikely partnerships

Despite their different backgrounds, Willie and Jeremiah form a close friendship. The film shows how friendship can bridge racial divides and help people overcome their differences.

Legacy

The film also explores the theme of legacy. Jeremiah is fighting to save his family business, which has been in his family for generations. He is determined to preserve his legacy and pass on his business to his children.

The pursuit of truth

Willie is a lawyer who is passionate about the truth. He is determined to expose the corporate corruption and racial injustice that are at the heart of the case against Jeremiah. The film shows how the pursuit of truth can be dangerous, but it is also essential for justice to be served.

Overall, The Burial is a complex and thought-provoking film that explores a variety of important themes. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

Direction

Betts is an American filmmaker who is best known for her debut feature film, “Novitiate,” which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and received a Jury Award for her direction.

Betts’ direction of “The Burial” is characterized by its strong performances, particularly from Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones, as well as its sharp and witty dialogue. Betts also creates a sense of tension and suspense throughout the film, as the stakes for the characters continue to rise.

In addition to her work on “The Burial,” Betts is also developing a new television series for FX called “The Premise.”

Here are some specific examples of Betts’ direction in “The Burial”:

Scene: Jeremiah O’Keefe (Jones) and Willie E. Gary (Foxx) meet for the first time in O’Keefe’s funeral home.

Direction: Betts uses close-ups of O’Keefe and Gary’s faces to capture their initial reactions to each other. She also uses a shallow depth of field to isolate the two characters from the background, emphasizing their tension and their connection.

Scene: Gary and O’Keefe prepare for the trial against the Loewen Group.

Direction: Betts uses quick cuts and close-ups to create a sense of urgency and excitement. She also uses shots of the courtroom and the lawyers to convey the stakes of the trial.

Scene: Gary and O’Keefe deliver their closing arguments at the trial.

Direction: Betts uses long shots and slow motion to emphasize the importance of the arguments and the emotional impact they have on the jury.

Overall, Betts’ direction of “The Burial” is assured and confident. She creates a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and she helps to draw out strong performances from her cast.

Cinematography

The cinematography of the 2023 film “The Burial” is a key component of the film’s success. Cinematographer Maryse Alberti uses a variety of techniques to create a visually stunning and emotionally evocative film.

One of the most notable aspects of cinematography is its use of color. Alberti uses a warm, earthy palette to create a sense of intimacy and warmth. This is especially evident in the scenes set in the funeral homes, where the rich colors of the wood and velvet create a sense of reverence and respect.

Alberti also uses color to create contrast and visual interest. For example, in the scene where Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx) first meets Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones), Gary’s bright, colorful suit stands out against the muted tones of the funeral home. This contrast helps to highlight Gary’s infectious personality and energy.

Another notable aspect of the cinematography is its use of light. Alberti often uses natural light to create a sense of realism and authenticity. For example, in the scenes set in the courtroom, the sunlight streaming through the windows creates a sense of openness and transparency. This helps to reinforce the film’s themes of justice and equality.

Alberti also uses light to create a dramatic effect. For example, in the scene where Gary and O’Keefe are preparing for their closing arguments, Alberti uses a spotlight to highlight Gary as he speaks. This helps to focus the audience’s attention on Gary’s powerful and persuasive words.

In addition to her use of color and light, Alberti also uses a variety of other cinematographic techniques to create a visually stunning film. For example, she uses close-ups to capture the emotions of the characters, and she uses wide shots to establish the setting and create a sense of scale. She also uses tracking shots and dolly shots to create a sense of movement and dynamism.

Overall, the cinematography of “The Burial” is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Alberti uses a variety of techniques to create a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally evocative. Her work helps to bring the film’s story to life and to connect the audience with the characters on a deeper level.

Here are some specific examples of cinematographic techniques that Alberti uses in the film:

Close-ups: Alberti often uses close-ups to capture the emotions of the characters. For example, in the scene where O’Keefe is testifying about the death of his business partner, Alberti uses a close-up to capture the pain and sadness on his face. This helps the audience connect with O’Keefe on a deeper level and understand the emotional stakes of the case.

Wide shots: Alberti also uses wide shots to establish the setting and create a sense of scale. For example, in the scene where Gary and O’Keefe are walking into the courtroom for the first day of trial, Alberti uses a wide shot to show the large size of the courtroom and the number of people in attendance. This helps to create a sense of the importance of the trial and the stakes involved.

Tracking shots: Alberti also uses tracking shots and dolly shots to create a sense of movement and dynamism. For example, in the scene where Gary is delivering his closing argument, Alberti uses a tracking shot to follow him as he moves around the courtroom. This helps to create a sense of energy and excitement and to keep the audience engaged in his argument.

Camera placement: Alberti also uses camera placement to create a sense of perspective and to highlight certain aspects of the scene. For example, in the scene where Gary and O’Keefe are meeting with the judge for the first time, Alberti places the camera behind the judge’s bench. This gives the audience the judge’s perspective and helps them to understand the power and authority that he holds.

Overall, Alberti’s cinematography is a key component of the film’s success. She uses a variety of techniques to create a visually stunning and emotionally evocative film that helps to bring the story to life and connect the audience with the characters on a deeper level.

Music

The music of the movie ‘The Burial’ released in 2023 is a mix of gospel, soul, and blues with a modern twist. The score was composed by Tony K and features a variety of artists, including Aloe Blacc, Reem, John Legend, and Labrinth. The music is used to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion in the film and to reflect the themes of race, power, and injustice.

One of the most notable aspects of the score is its use of gospel music.. It is characterized by its powerful vocals, uplifting lyrics, and often intricate harmonies. In ‘The Burial’, gospel music is used to represent the strength and resilience of the black community. It is also used to convey the message of hope and justice.

Another important aspect of the score is its use of soul and blues music. Soul and blues are genres of African-American music that are characterized by their emotional intensity and raw vocals. In ‘The Burial’, soul and blues music are used to represent the pain and suffering of the black community. They are also used to convey the message of perseverance and overcoming adversity.

The modern twist on the gospel, soul, and blues music in ‘The Burial’ comes from Tony K’s use of electronic elements. Tony K is a hip-hop producer, and he incorporates elements of hip-hop and electronica into the score. This gives the music a fresh and modern sound while still retaining the roots of the gospel, soul, and blues genres.

Overall, the music of ‘The Burial’ is a powerful and moving score that perfectly complements the film’s themes and story. It is a mix of traditional and modern elements that create a unique and unforgettable sound.

Here are some of the specific songs that are featured in the film:

 “Golden” by Aloe Blacc

 “Reem – Lie” by Reem

 “Tony K – Right Now” by Tony K

 “Reem – Lead the Way” by Reem

 “Labrinth – The Feels (Official Visualizer)” by Labrinth

 “Reem – Trips” by Reem

 “John Legend – Wild (feat. Gary Clark Jr.) (Official Video)” by John Legend

 “Reem – Only One” by Reem

 “Tony K – Island” by Tony K

 “Labrinth – Mount Everest (Official Audio)” by Labrinth

 “Reem – Higher” by Reem

 “Billie Eilish – Bad Guy (Official Music Video)” by Billie Eilish

Personal Opinion 

I really enjoyed the movie The Burial. It’s a well-made and entertaining courtroom drama with a strong message about racial injustice and corporate greed.

Jamie Foxx gives a fantastic performance as Willie, a charismatic and passionate lawyer who takes on a powerful funeral home chain that is exploiting grieving families. Foxx is able to bring both humor and gravitas to the role, and he is the heart and soul of the film.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Tommy Lee Jones playing a grizzled veteran lawyer who helps Willie’s team and Jurnee Smollett playing a brilliant but conflicted lawyer who works for the funeral home chain.

The film’s courtroom scenes are both tense and suspenseful, and the filmmakers do a great job of explaining the complex legal issues involved in the case. But the film is more than just a legal thriller. It’s also a powerful story about the importance of fighting for justice, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The Burial is a timely and important film, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys courtroom dramas, social justice films, or simply well-made films with strong performances.

Here is a more personal opinion on the film:

I was particularly struck by the film’s portrayal of the funeral home industry and how it exploits grieving families. The film shows how the funeral home chain uses predatory pricing and deceptive tactics to take advantage of people who are already at a vulnerable time in their lives.

I was also impressed by the film’s depiction of Willie’s character. Willie is a flawed but admirable character. He is ambitious and sometimes arrogant, but he is also deeply committed to fighting for justice for his clients. I found his journey to be both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Overall, I thought The Burial was a great film. It is well-made, entertaining, and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a film that will stay with them long after the credits have rolled.

FAQS

Check out the latest Thriller Movies.