Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.
By Nichols’ already high standards, this feels a minor work – but it’s been made with love.
McConaughey and Sheridan are great, and Mud has some interesting things to say about southern manhood, and is observant about the struggle between head and heart, even if it is less forthcoming on how you get a boat out of a tree.
A bold, intelligent, 21st century take on Mark Twain — with added occult tendencies.
The disappointing denouement is far outweighed by the overall strength of the journey to that resolution.
McConaughey continues his rehab as a serious screen actor, and the two boys are excellent, but Mud is lightweight stuff that will slide off the memory in no time.
McConaughey is terrific but the picture is really made by the fierce and unforgettable performance of Tye Sheridan as Ellis.
Nichols has yet to make an unconditionally great film, but soon enough, one will drift by on the current.
It’s a simple and somewhat contrived plot but that doesn’t diminish its power.
It is ultimately sentimental, but this an engaging and good-looking picture.
Nichols is a writer-director whose next film I eagerly await.
Profile: Jeff Nichols, director of Mud
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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