Nickel Boys – Movie Review
First Reaction – Nickel Boys is an important, impactful journey.
Watch Nickel Boys on Prime
ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nominated – N
Director: RaMell Ross
Writer: RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes (Screenplay)
Writer: Colson Whitehead (Book)
Cast
- Ethan Cole Sharp
- Sam Malone (Synchronic)
- Najah Bradley (Interview With the Vampire)
- Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (King Richard)
- Brandon Wilson
- Ethan Herisse (Miss Virginia)
Plot: Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, “Nickel Boys” chronicles the powerful friendship between two young African-American men navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in Florida.
Runtime: 2 Hours 20 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Nickel Boys starts when two African-American men, Elwood (Herisse) and Turner (Wilson), meet at a reform school. They live in a world where the Civil Rights Movement has been happening, meaning they still get treated differently by some white people.
The boys are sent to the school because of a crime they never committed, leading to them learning to adapt while managing the abuse they face. While there they learn more of the horrors their ancestors experienced while growing up in America.
Verdict on Nickel Boys
Recap
The movie follows two African-Americans who are forced into a reform school for crimes they never committed. They suffer abuse and record their time in the school. However, they form an unlikely friendship, giving them strength to survive the horrors.
Best Parts
The movie is shot from the character’s point of view, meaning we rarely see the character on screen. It places us in their shoes so we can experience their journey. This gives it a bigger impact for the audience to understand how difficult it would have been at that time. The performances are brilliant, and the engaging storyline keeps us wanting to know what happens next.
Final Thoughts –Nickel Boys is a moving, impactful story.
