Nickel Boys movie review & film summary (2024)

4/5 - (3 votes)

Nickel Boys movie review: Nickel Boys (2024), directed by RaMell Ross, is a cinematic adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The film delves into the haunting legacy of systemic racism and the resilience of the human spirit, capturing the trials and triumphs of its protagonists, Elwood Curtis and Jack Turner. This masterful narrative is set against the backdrop of the fictional Nickel Academy, a reform school in the Jim Crow South that reflects the horrors of real-life institutions like the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys.

Ross brings a unique perspective to this adaptation, employing groundbreaking first-person point-of-view (POV) cinematography to immerse viewers deeply into the characters’ experiences. This approach transforms Nickel Boys into an unforgettable journey, not just a story but an emotional, visceral experience.

Nickel Boys movie review

The film is set in the turbulent 1960s, a time when the Civil Rights Movement was both a beacon of hope and a reminder of the persistent struggles for equality. At the heart of the narrative is Elwood Curtis, an intelligent and hardworking teenager raised by his loving grandmother, Hattie. Inspired by the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Elwood dreams of a bright future where justice prevails. However, a cruel twist of fate derails his aspirations.

Elwood’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is falsely accused of a crime after innocently hitching a ride in a stolen car. Sent to Nickel Academy, a reform school for boys, he quickly discovers that the institution is rife with abuse, corruption, and systemic racism. At Nickel, Elwood meets Jack Turner, a street-smart and cynical boy whose survival instincts contrast sharply with Elwood’s idealism.

NICKEL BOYS – Official Trailer

The two boys form an unlikely bond that becomes the emotional core of the film. Through their friendship, Nickel Boys explores themes of trust, resilience, and the quest for justice in an unjust world. While Elwood clings to his belief in the power of goodness and change, Turner represents the hardened reality of a system designed to crush hope.

The central theme of Nickel Boys is the enduring legacy of systemic racism. The film exposes the brutal conditions at Nickel Academy, where African American boys are subjected to relentless physical and emotional abuse. By focusing on the personal stories of Elwood and Turner, the narrative humanizes the larger historical context, making the impact of these injustices deeply personal and relatable.

Another significant theme is resilience. Despite the horrors they endure, both Elwood and Turner find ways to survive, each in his own way. Their friendship underscores the importance of solidarity and the human capacity to find hope even in the darkest circumstances.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Nickel Boys is Ross’s use of first-person POV cinematography. This innovative technique places the audience directly in the shoes of the characters, allowing viewers to see the world through their eyes. From the stark, oppressive confines of Nickel Academy to the fleeting moments of hope and connection, the first-person perspective intensifies the emotional impact of every scene.

Ross’s choice of this perspective is not merely a stylistic experiment but a deliberate effort to make the audience feel the weight of Elwood and Turner’s experiences. This immersive approach is rarely seen in films of this nature, borrowing techniques more common in video games to create a unique and deeply engaging cinematic experience.

The POV cinematography highlights details that might otherwise go unnoticed—a trembling hand, a flicker of fear in someone’s gaze, or the texture of a wall bearing the scars of violence. These small yet significant elements bring an added layer of authenticity to the film, making the setting a silent witness to the characters’ suffering and resilience.

The cast of Nickel Boys delivers exceptional performances that bring the story’s emotional depth to life. Ethan Herisse shines as Elwood Curtis, capturing the character’s blend of youthful idealism and quiet strength. Herisse’s portrayal of Elwood’s unwavering belief in justice, even in the face of relentless cruelty, is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Brandon Wilson delivers an equally powerful performance as Jack Turner, embodying the hardened realism of a boy who has learned to navigate a brutal system. Wilson’s nuanced portrayal contrasts beautifully with Herisse’s idealism, creating a dynamic and compelling friendship that anchors the film.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, as Elwood’s grandmother Hattie, provides a touch of warmth and stability amidst the chaos. Her performance highlights the generational impact of systemic racism and the enduring hope for a better future.

The sound design in Nickel Boys is a critical component of its storytelling. Instead of explicitly showing scenes of violence, Ross often uses sound to convey the horrors of Nickel Academy. The sharp crack of a whip, the muffled cries of boys in pain, and the eerie silence of anticipation—all combine to create a chilling atmosphere.

This approach mirrors techniques used in films like The Zone of Interest, where the absence of explicit imagery forces the audience to imagine the horrors, often making them even more impactful.

The musical score complements the narrative beautifully, blending melancholic melodies with moments of quiet hope. The score underscores the emotional journey of the characters, enhancing the film’s ability to connect with its audience on a deeper level.

Nickel Boys is not just a story; it is a stark reminder of America’s troubled history with racial injustice. Inspired by the real-life horrors of the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, the film brings attention to the systemic abuse endured by African American boys in similar institutions.

The discovery of unmarked graves at such schools in recent years adds a chilling layer of relevance to the story, prompting viewers to reflect on the long-lasting impact of these injustices. Ross uses this historical context to emphasize the importance of remembering and acknowledging these dark chapters in American history.

Critics have praised Nickel Boys for its innovative storytelling and emotional resonance. The use of first-person POV has been lauded as a groundbreaking cinematic choice, elevating the film beyond conventional narratives of historical injustice. Reviewers have also highlighted the film’s ability to balance artistic innovation with a deeply human story.

The performances of Herisse and Wilson, combined with Ross’s visionary direction, have been widely acclaimed. The film’s ability to shed light on forgotten histories while engaging audiences emotionally and intellectually makes it a standout achievement in contemporary cinema.

Summary

Nickel Boys is more than a film—it is an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Through its innovative use of first-person POV, stellar performances, and a deeply human narrative, the film invites viewers to confront the painful realities of systemic racism while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

RaMell Ross has crafted a cinematic masterpiece that not only honors the legacy of Colson Whitehead’s novel but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue about justice, memory, and redemption. Nickel Boys is a must-watch for anyone seeking a powerful and transformative film experience.

Top Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Director RaMell Ross’s bold reimagining of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is both lyrical and urgent. This is a movie worth returning to again and again – Oliver Jones, Observer

Nickel Boys is in constant dialogue with itself, as well as in enduring search of moments that feel caught, even as they’re inevitably preconceived – Keith Uhlich, (All (Parentheses))

The film sidles up to the narrative’s wrenching twists rather than heavily foreshadowing them, and is all the more gutting for it – Tim Robey, Daily Telegraph (UK)

It’s a story that needs to be told. But maybe not quite like this. Not in a grandiose flurry of images – Dwight Brown, DwightBrownInk.com

Within each frame of “Nickel Boys” is not only the recreation of a moment—its stiff air, stifling aroma, and hardened touch—but the texture of the disposed – Robert Daniels, RogerEbert.com

Top Movie Ratings

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Screen Rant8/10

Author

  • P. Teller

    As a devoted movie writer at Movie2Story, I explore the depths of storytelling through detailed reviews and analyses. My mission is to connect with fellow film enthusiasts, igniting passion for the art of cinema.

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