It's not easy to portray the effects of trauma effectively, but director Lila Neugebauer demonstrates a thoughtful and skillful approach with her first feature film, “Causeway.” This small-scale production explores themes of suffering, recovery, and connection, resulting in a very moving and relatable drama. While stationed in Afghanistan working for the Army Corps of Engineers, Lynsey (Jennifer Lawrence) was invo…

The film centers on Lynsey (Jennifer Lawrence), who experiences car trouble while heading to work. When she asks mechanic James (Brian Tyree Henry) for assistance, she seems hesitant to share her phone number, claiming she can’t remember it—a detail he questions. The narrative then reveals that this young woman is an Afghanistan war veteran with a brain injury. With the support of James and her doctor, Dr. Lucas (Ste…

The film "Causeway" benefits from the nuanced portrayals given by Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry, who have a strong connection that really propels the movie forward. Director Lila Neugebauer doesn’t offer a fresh perspective on stories about veterans readjusting to life at home, but she does excel at prioritizing her performers, creating opportunities for them to deliver their best work. While the plot follo…