Mud

Starring;

Matthew McConaughey
Tye Sheridan
Sam Shepard
Reese Witherspoon
Michael Shannon

Director;

Jeff Nichols

In three words; Love – Innocence – Friendship

 

 

Review;

 

Young friends Ellis (Sheridan) and Neckbone (Lofland) set out to find a boat which has bizarrely become stuck in a tree following a storm. The boat is marooned on a small island in the Mississippi, when they get there they come across a fugitive who calls himself Mud (McConaughey) who is hiding out in the boat.

The boys agree to bring Mud food and supplies to repair the elevated boat so he can be reunited with the love of his life Juniper (Witherspoon). However, the authorities and bounty hunters are hot on his tail making the boy’s job of protecting Mud harder.

This is writer and director Jeff Nichols third feature and he has done sterling work. Although the film is set in modern day Mississippi there is a clear Huckleberry Finn influence here juxtaposed against a faceless corporate America. This is reflected throughout the film with Ellis’ reluctance to move house and becoming a ‘townie’ because of his parents impending divorce. He feels more comfortable living on the river away from the distractions of a modern world.

Ellis and Neckbone are the best of friends, a friendship which felt like it was lifted straight from the film Stand By Me. This is a coming of age for them both, perhaps more so for the focal point of the film in Ellis. Whilst helping Mud, Ellis has to watch as his family falls apart whilst he makes attempts to find love himself. The inevitable broken heart from a first love isn’t far away.

Mud is very much a love story. This is rather ironic given that the McConaughey has previously made several dreadful romantic comedies which attempt to portray a love story but can never come close to Mud. Love is lost between Ellis’ parents; his father has completely given up. Mud is trying to be reunited with the love of his life, who is also the reason why he is in trouble. Whilst Ellis strives to make sense of it all he finds it hard to understand what love actually means and seems confused as to why things can’t be simple. A difficulty we can all relate to.

McConaughey is on top form with a brilliant performance. He showed what a brilliant actor he is in Killer Joe. As Mud he perfectly mirrors the characters naivety to that of Ellis. Both Sheridan and Lofland give effortless performances which reek credibility. You can truly believe their friendship and the situation we find them in. Witherspoon and Michael Shannon bookend a very strong cast and give credence and depth to the story.  

Nichols has delivered a beautiful screenplay which he has perfectly brought to the screen. This is what films are all about. Forget 3D, forget digital filming and projections. Mud was filmed on a modest budget on 35mm film which wonderfully adds a touch of reality and innocence which is reflected throughout this brilliant film. Old school movie making at its best.

Verdict;

5 out of 5.