True-Story Courtroom Drama Starring Jamie Foxx & Tommy Lee Jones

When a small-town funeral home owner takes on a corporate giant, the story that unfolds is both inspiring and entertaining. That’s the premise of The Burial (2023), a courtroom comedy-drama directed by Maggie Betts, now streaming on Prime Video.

Based on real events, the film pairs two Hollywood powerhouses—Academy Award® winners Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones—in a tale of resilience, justice, and unlikely friendship. Combining humor, intensity, and social commentary, it’s a film that proves truth can be stranger—and more entertaining—than fiction.

Watch The Burial (2023)

Plot Overview – When a Handshake Deal Turns Into a Battle

The film is inspired by a true legal case from the 1990s.

Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a funeral home owner facing financial troubles. Hoping to secure his family’s business, he makes a handshake deal with a corporate giant. But when the deal collapses, Jeremiah finds himself backed into a corner.

Enter Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx), a charismatic personal injury attorney better known for his flashy style and dramatic courtroom presence than for contract disputes. At first glance, the partnership between the reserved Jeremiah and the larger-than-life Willie seems improbable. Yet as the case unfolds, their dynamic becomes the heart of the story.

Together, they not only fight to save Jeremiah’s business but also uncover corporate corruption and racial injustice. Along the way, the film balances tense courtroom drama with laugh-out-loud humor, proving that justice doesn’t have to be humorless.

Cast and Performances

The strength of The Burial lies in its stellar cast, which brings both gravitas and charm to the screen:

• Jamie Foxx as Willie E. Gary – Foxx delivers a magnetic performance, capturing Gary’s charisma, confidence, and larger-than-life courtroom flair. He brings energy and humor while grounding the character in real humanity.

• Tommy Lee Jones as Jeremiah O’Keefe – In contrast, Jones plays Jeremiah with quiet dignity, portraying him as a man of integrity caught in a high-stakes battle. His subtlety perfectly complements Foxx’s boldness.

• Jurnee Smollett as Mame Downes – Playing a sharp, formidable opposing counsel, Smollett shines as a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.

• Mamoudou Athie as Hal Dockins – A young attorney learning the ropes, Athie adds both heart and levity.

• Supporting Cast – Including Pamela Reed, Amanda Warren, Bill Camp, Alan Ruck, and others, each adds depth and authenticity to the ensemble.

The chemistry between Foxx and Jones is the film’s standout feature. Their unlikely partnership provides both dramatic tension and comic relief, making the story resonate on multiple levels.

Watch The Burial (2023)

Direction – Maggie Betts’ Vision

Director Maggie Betts (Novitiate) brings a sharp eye for detail and a balance of tones. In The Burial, she manages to weave:

• Courtroom intensity – gripping arguments and sharp legal maneuvering.

• Comedic beats – especially through Foxx’s flamboyant portrayal of Willie.

• Emotional resonance – highlighting themes of friendship, perseverance, and justice.

Her direction ensures that the film is more than a courtroom drama—it’s a story about human connection and standing up to systemic inequality.

Themes – Justice, Race, and Resilience

While the film entertains, it also addresses serious themes that make it deeply relevant:

• Corporate Accountability – Highlighting how big corporations often exploit smaller businesses.

• Racial Justice – Exploring how race and privilege influence courtroom dynamics and business deals.

• Friendship Across Differences – Jeremiah and Willie couldn’t be more different, yet their partnership shows the power of respect and collaboration.

• Resilience and Integrity – At its core, the film is about standing up for what’s right, even against impossible odds.

By mixing humor with gravitas, The Burial makes these themes accessible without diminishing their importance.

Watch The Burial (2023)

Cinematography and Style

The visual approach mirrors the film’s balance of tones. Courtroom scenes are shot with sharp, dramatic focus, highlighting the tension of each exchange. In contrast, lighter scenes—like Willie’s flamboyant lifestyle moments—are infused with vibrant energy.

The juxtaposition of small-town Mississippi settings with flashy legal theatrics underscores the cultural and personal contrasts driving the story.

Music and Atmosphere

The soundtrack combines soulful tracks with dramatic scoring, reflecting the film’s dual identity as both a legal battle and a character-driven dramedy. The music enhances the emotional highs and underscores the film’s inspirational core.

Reception – Audience and Critical Response

Since its release, The Burial has received strong praise:

• IMDb rating: 7.1 with nearly 1,000 reviews.

• Audiences highlight Jamie Foxx’s performance as particularly compelling.

• Critics commend the film’s ability to balance comedy and drama while addressing weighty themes.

Some reviews note its familiar courtroom-drama structure, but most agree its performances and true-story foundation make it stand out.

Watch The Burial (2023)

Streaming on Prime Video – How to Watch

The Burial (2023) is now available to stream on Prime Video, featuring:

• HDR & UHD – for crisp, cinematic visuals.

• X-Ray integration – access trivia, cast info, and behind-the-scenes insights.

• Subtitles & Audio Options – available in more than 25 languages, with audio descriptions and dialogue boost features.

It’s accessible globally, ensuring audiences everywhere can experience this inspiring true story.

Behind the Story – The Real Willie E. Gary and Jeremiah O’Keefe

The film is based on the real-life 1995 legal battle between Jeremiah O’Keefe and a large Canadian funeral company. Willie E. Gary, known as the “Giant Killer” for his track record against big corporations, took on the case and won a landmark settlement.

By dramatizing these events, the film highlights not only the legal victory but also the larger social significance of standing up to systemic injustice.

Why You Should Watch The Burial

Here’s why the film deserves a spot on your Prime Video watchlist:

• True Story Power – rooted in real events that inspire.

• Award-Winning Stars – Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones deliver powerhouse performances.

• Balance of Humor and Drama – entertaining without losing its depth.

• Themes That Matter – from racial justice to corporate accountability.

• Prime Video Accessibility – stream in UHD with subtitles and audio support for global audiences.

Watch The Burial (2023)

Final Thoughts – A Triumphant Story of Justice

The Burial (2023) is more than just a courtroom drama—it’s a story about integrity, friendship, and the fight against injustice. With commanding performances by Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones, sharp direction by Maggie Betts, and a foundation in real history, it’s both entertaining and inspiring.

Now available on Prime Video, it’s a film that proves justice can be both triumphant and deeply human.

Watch The Burial on Prime Video

FAQ

1. What is The Burial (2023) about?
   It tells the true story of funeral home owner Jeremiah O’Keefe and lawyer Willie E. Gary, who team up to fight corporate corruption after a handshake deal falls apart.
2. Who stars in The Burial?
   The cast includes Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, Jurnee Smollett, Mamoudou Athie, Pamela Reed, Amanda Warren, Bill Camp, and Alan Ruck.
3. Who directed the film?
   Maggie Betts directed The Burial.
4. Is The Burial based on a true story?
   Yes, it’s inspired by the real 1995 legal battle won by attorney Willie E. Gary on behalf of Jeremiah O’Keefe.
5. How long is the movie?
   The runtime is 2 hours and 7 minutes.
6. What’s the IMDb rating?
   It currently holds a 7.1 rating with strong audience reviews.
7. What makes the film unique compared to other courtroom dramas?
   It balances humor and intensity, pairing two unlikely characters while addressing serious themes of race and corporate greed.
8. Is it available globally on Prime Video?
   Yes, with subtitles in over 25 languages, audio descriptions, and HDR/UHD options.
9. What genre is The Burial?
   It’s a mix of comedy, drama, and inspirational storytelling.
10. Why should I watch it?
    Because it’s a rare mix of true-story drama and comedy, with powerhouse performances and themes that resonate today.