When the first trailer for the Fences movie dropped back in late September 2016, it didn't just feel like another movie promo. It felt like an earthquake. I remember watching it and thinking, "Wait, is this even a movie or did they just film a miracle?" Denzel Washington and Viola Davis were standing in a backyard, and within two minutes, they had effectively dismantled the concept of the "quiet family drama."
The trailer basically served as a high-stakes highlight reel of what would become one of the most intense acting showcases of the decade.
Why the Fences Trailer Hit Different
Honestly, most trailers try to hide the best parts. They give you the "vibes" or a catchy song. But for Fences, Paramount Pictures basically said, "We’re going to show you exactly how much these people can act." It was a bold move. They led with the heavy hitters—the monologues.
You’ve got Denzel as Troy Maxson, a 1950s sanitation worker who is just... a lot. He’s loud, he’s charismatic, and he’s deeply, deeply bitter. The trailer opens with him lecturing his son, Cory, played by Jovan Adepo. Then comes the line. You know the one. Cory asks, "How come you ain't never liked me?"
Troy’s response isn't a hug. It isn't even a "tough love" moment. It’s a breakdown of duty. "What law is there say I got to like you?"
That moment in the trailer for Fences movie told us everything we needed to know. This wasn't going to be a feel-good story about a dad and his kid playing catch. It was a story about the weight of responsibility versus the absence of love.
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The "Strike Two" Moment
The trailer also gave us that legendary snot-bubble scene from Viola Davis. I know it sounds weird to call it that, but it became a cultural touchstone. As Rose Maxson, she delivered the line, "I been standing with you! I been right here with you, Troy!" with so much raw, unshielded pain that it basically secured her the Oscar right then and there.
It’s rare for a trailer to feel this claustrophobic. Most trailers want to show off the scope—the big city, the action sequences, the "world-building." Fences did the opposite. It stayed in that backyard. It showed the dirt, the wooden planks, and the laundry lines. It made you feel like you were trapped in that yard with them.
The August Wilson Legacy
You can't talk about the trailer without talking about August Wilson. He wrote the original play, and he actually wrote the screenplay before he passed away in 2005. He was very protective of his work. He famously insisted that a Black director lead the film version. Denzel took that mantle, and you can see that reverence in every frame of the teaser.
The movie isn't "cinematic" in the traditional sense. It doesn't use fancy camera tricks. It stays true to its stage origins. Some critics at the time—like those at Lainey Gossip—actually pointed out that it felt a bit "staged" and restricted.
But for most of us? That was the point. The "fences" aren't just the literal wood Troy is building. They’re the emotional barriers he’s putting up to keep the world out—and his family in.
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Key Cast Members Highlighted:
- Denzel Washington as Troy Maxson (The "Blue Collar Philosopher-King")
- Viola Davis as Rose Maxson (The heart of the house)
- Stephen McKinley Henderson as Jim Bono (The loyal best friend)
- Jovan Adepo as Cory Maxson (The son with big dreams)
- Mykelti Williamson as Gabriel (The brother with a tragic past)
What the Trailer Didn't Tell You
While the trailer leaned heavily on the "Why don't you like me?" scene, it sort of glossed over the more supernatural elements of the story. Troy Maxson has this ongoing "feud" with Death. He talks about wrestling with the Grim Reaper. He talks about it like it's a real guy who showed up at his door.
In the film, these moments provide a weird, mythic quality to an otherwise grounded story. The trailer hinted at Troy’s arrogance, but it didn't quite capture how much of a "villain" he could be. He isn't just a tough dad; he’s a man who betrays his wife in the most fundamental way.
The trailer makes it look like a father-son rivalry. The movie is actually a autopsy of a marriage.
Impact and Awards Success
When the film finally hit theaters on Christmas Day 2016, the hype from the trailer paid off. It wasn't a "blockbuster," but it didn't need to be. It grossed about $64 million on a $24 million budget. More importantly, it swept the awards circuit.
Viola Davis won basically everything. The Oscar, the BAFTA, the Golden Globe—she grabbed the "Triple Crown" for that performance. Denzel was nominated for Best Actor, but he lost out to Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea. A lot of people are still salty about that one, to be honest.
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Actionable Insights for Film Fans
If you're revisiting the trailer for Fences movie or watching the film for the first time, here is how to get the most out of the experience:
- Watch the 2010 Broadway Revival Clips First: Both Denzel and Viola won Tonys for these same roles on stage. Seeing the transition from stage to screen shows you exactly how they "dialed it in" for the camera.
- Pay Attention to the Fence: Notice when the fence is being built and when it stops. It’s a literal ticking clock for the family’s disintegration.
- Listen to the Rhythm: August Wilson’s dialogue is like jazz. It’s not just about the words; it’s about the "beats." If you find yourself tapping your foot to the dialogue, that’s intentional.
- Look Past Troy: It’s easy to focus on Denzel because he’s so loud. But watch Rose’s face when she’s not talking. That’s where the real story is.
The trailer for Fences remains a masterclass in how to market a "small" movie with "big" emotions. It didn't need explosions. It just needed two people in a backyard, hurting each other with words.
To fully appreciate the craftsmanship, watch the trailer one more time and notice the lack of music. For the first minute, it’s mostly just the sound of Troy’s voice and the environment. That’s confidence. That’s knowing you have a story worth telling.
Next Steps for Deep Diving into Fences:
Start by watching the official "Trailer #1" on the Paramount Pictures YouTube channel to see the original edit. Then, look for the "Why Don't You Like Me" clip to see the full, uncut power of that specific scene. Finally, read the original August Wilson play—it provides context for Troy's "Death" monologues that the movie sometimes breezes through.