I think every actor wants to do a courtroom drama, to voice their objections, to thunder at a witness during cross-examination, to let that look play across their face that suggests they may have just found a way to win the case. Then, when you throw in the fact that the case you’re bringing to life for the screen is based on actual events, that just raises the level of excitement that much more.

Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones get their courtroom on and are joined by Alan Ruck, Jurnee Smollett and Mamoudou Athie. Directed by Maggie Betts the film takes its inspiration from a 1995 case that centred around Jeremiah O’Keefe, a funeral director, who owned nine funeral homes and sold funeral insurance in the state of Mississippi.

When the state is after him for payments, and he realizes that he may be out on a financial limb, his lawyer, Mike (Ruck), reaches out to a corporation that is big in the death-care industry, The Lowen Group, run by Raymond Loewen (Bill Camp). A tentative agreement is reached, a handshake follows, and O’Keefe signs the contract, Loewen doesn’t plan to wait Jeremiah out until it becomes necessary for him to sell at a lower price.

After waiting months with no results from the Loewen Group, Jeremiah plans to sue for breach of contract. A contract that wasn’t signed. Mike advises a settlement, and a new, young lawyer, Hal (Athie) recommends a different path, recruiting a flamboyant and incredibly successful personal injury lawyer, Willie Gary (Foxx) and taking the case to court. Mike is unsure about this route, and his own prejudices surface while dealing with Hal and Willie.

When Loewen brings aboard a brilliant attorney of their own in the form of Mame Downes (Smollett) the stage is set for a showdown that is going to put both the defense and the prosecution through their paces as themes of racism and corporate greed are explored.

The lead characters on both sides of the argument are so well-drawn that you get drawn in completely by the performances and the twists and turns of the case. Foxx brings a wonderfully flashy style to his performance and Jones delivers a down-home, not quite folksy turn but that of an earnest and honest man who is trying to do right by his family and leave them a legacy.

A sharply crafted courtroom story that explores still (sadly) relevant themes features bankable performances and reminds you that justice and karma can be served.

The Burial screens twice more at TIFF, on Friday 15 September at the Princess of Wales Theatre, and Saturday 16 September at Scotiabank. You can check times, get tickets and find other films here.

But if you miss it at the Festival, be patient, and watch for its appearance on Prime. It’s one to watch.