Nickel Boys Review : A sensitive and impactful story undermined by its experimental approach
Synopsis
Inspired by the tragic events at the Dozier School, where over a hundred Black boys were murdered in 1973, ‘Nickel Boys’ is a heartbreaking film that leaves a deep impact.
Critic’s Rating: 3.5/5
Story: Elwood Curtis, a bright black teenager, is sent to a reform school where he and his friend Turner suffer terrible abuse. Their attempt to escape ends in tragedy.
Review: Based on the novel ‘The Nickel Boys’ by Booker Prize winner Colson Whitehead, ‘Nickel Boys’ is a historical drama set in late 1960s America. Through the journey of two boys, it explores themes of the Civil Rights Movement and brilliantly depicts the horrors Black students faced at reform schools during that era. The film is shot from a first-person perspective, with the camera acting as the protagonist’s eyes—viewers hear him more than they see him. This unconventional style may take time to adjust to and could feel jarring or distracting, especially for those unfamiliar with it. While the film delivers a gritty and powerful story, its unique filming approach may limit its appeal.
The plot follows Elwood Curtis (Ethan Cole Sharp & Ethan Herisse), a bright African American student in Tallahassee, Florida, raised by his grandmother (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) and inspired by the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr. Encouraged by his teacher, he applies for a free college course. On his way there, he accepts a ride from a man driving a stolen car. Before reaching his destination, the police arrest them, mistakenly identifying Elwood as an accomplice. He is sent to Nickel Academy, a reform school where corruption, racism, and brutality thrive, with a clear divide between White and Black students. There, he befriends Turner (Brandon Wilson), a cynical boy who sees the world differently. Desperate to escape the Academy’s cruelty, Elwood hatches a plan, and Turner joins him—but things take a tragic turn. In the film’s final moments, a shocking twist is revealed.
Inspired by the tragic events at the Dozier School, where over a hundred Black boys were murdered in 1973, ‘Nickel Boys’ is a heartbreaking film that leaves a deep impact, especially through the characters of Elwood and Turner. Director RaMell Ross handles the sensitive subject matter with great care, and the screenplay effectively conveys the boys’ trauma and inner conflict. However, certain scenes—like images of NASA and an alligator roaming the road—feel abstract and difficult to interpret. The film is rich in symbolism, but it offers little explanation, making some moments tough to decipher. Rather than relying on experimental storytelling, Ross might have been better served by focusing on the raw power of the story itself.
The film stands out thanks to its strong performances. Both Ethan Cole Sharp (as young Elwood) and Ethan Herisse (as adult Elwood) deliver restrained and deeply moving portrayals of Elwood Curtis, conveying his pain and resilience through subtle expressions and voice work. As Turner, Brandon Wilson provides excellent support, embodying a cynicism that serves as a survival mechanism. However, the standout performance comes from Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Elwood’s devoted grandmother. One of the film’s most powerful moments is when she visits Nickel Academy, is denied access to Elwood, and then shares a heartbreaking encounter with Turner, asking for a hug. It’s a deeply emotional scene, elevated by Ellis-Taylor’s exceptional talent. ‘Nickel Boys’ is a compelling film, but it might have been even stronger without its experimental approach.
News Credit : Times of India
