When Oscar Sunday arrives on Feb. 26, no one will be surprised if Viola Davis wins Best Supporting Actress, thanks to her powerful work in Fences. The three-time Oscar nominee is overdue for a win, and her complete embodiment of the character of Rose should be the role that earns her the statue. In an exclusive clip from the Digital HD release of Fences, Davis and her co-stars offer up powerful insights about Rose and the knockout performance Davis delivers in the film.
Based on the Broadway play of the same name, Fences is the story of a marriage, and the performance Davis gives as a woman who devotes her life to a proud man who makes many mistakes is one of her best to date. In the behind-the-scenes clip, Davis' co-stars Denzel Washington, Jovan Adepo, and Russell Hornsby have nothing but glowing reviews for the actor.
Hornsby, in particular, cuts to the heart of what makes Davis such a stunning performer. When talking about his co-star's unique ability to bring Rose to life, he says,
"Viola digs deep into the terra firma of our ancestors to find their voice, to find their blood, to find their pain, and bring it to life. And say this is for the people who cannot speak."
When asked who inspired her portrayal of Rose, Davis is quick to name herself, her mother, and any woman who "ever sacrificed a piece of herself for the greater good." By focusing in on a pivotal scene from the final moments of the film, the digital extra illuminates what drives Rose to make the most difficult choice of her life. Whether you have seen Fences or it's still on your to-watch list, the clip is an absolute must-see — and trust me, if you haven't seen the film it will leave you wanting more.
Come Oscar night, movie fans need to understand why critics cannot stop talking about Davis' performance. The actor originated the role on stage, but she somehow found a way to bring even more nuances to Rose on film. As a black woman, wife, and mother in 1950s Pittsburgh, Rose struggles to reconcile her various roles in a way Davis is right to point out many women to this day will be able to relate to. Her sacrifices cut deep, and Davis is unafraid to show the scars left behind.
Fences is available for digital download on Friday, Feb. 24 and will be available on Blu-ray March 14.
