Academy Award-nominated director RaMell Ross delivers a stunning adaption of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in "Nickel Boys" from Amazon MGM Studios. Ross co-writes the screenplay with Joslyn Barnes. The film, an adaptation of Colson Whitehead's eponymous novel, draws inspiration from the infamous Dozier School for Boys in Florida, known for its history of abusive treatment towards students.
When Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse) sees his aspirations for college come crashing down on a two-lane highway in Florida, he pays the price for a minor error and is sent to the harsh environment of Nickel Academy, a ruthless reformatory in the deep South. He meets another inmate, the worldly Turner (Brandon Wilson). The duo forms a bond, with Turner offering essential advice for navigating their grim surroundings while Elwood holds on to his hopeful perspective. Set against the rising Civil Rights Movement backdrop, their lives seem disconnected from Martin Luther King Jr.'s eloquent speeches.
Before I delve into my review, I want to give viewers the heads-up that the film uses a first-person narrative to fully tell its story. Using a character's visual field so the camera is "seeing" out of a character's eyes can be tricky or come off as overused; however, the director's talent combined with Jomo Fray's cinematography and Nora Mendis's production design makes it work.
The film's most notable aspect is the remarkable chemistry between Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson. Both young actors had previously garnered attention for their performances, with the former in "When They See Us" and the latter in "The Way Back ." However, in this film, both young men deliver performances that are likely to propel them into stardom and generate considerable acclaim during awards season.
Enthusiasts of cinema will appreciate the recurring motif of "The Defiant Ones" throughout the film; its narrative involving escaped convicts effectively parallels Elwood and Turner's journey. This deliberate artistic choice proves perceptive and significantly enriches the thematic depth interwoven into the new film.
The supporting cast lacks prominence, with the exception of Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor's portrayal of Elwood's grandmother, Hattie. Hattie is a complex and emotionally charged character with a strong sense of integrity and a pursuit of justice, as evidenced by her proactive engagement with a lawyer to address her concerns. As she grapples with Elwood's situation, Hattie uncovers layers of complexity that extend beyond initial impressions.
While I won't go into specifics, the film's twist ending will raise some eyebrows. I mentioned to a fellow critic that I figured the ending out during the opening moments of the third act. However, the reveal regarding how the events happened did work upon reflection.
Cinematically stunning with earnest performances, "Nickel Boys" is one of the best films of 2024.
Final Grade: A
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